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BJORNSTJERNE  BJORNSON 

1832-1910 


MARY 

QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 


A     DRAMA    IN     FIVE    ACTS 

BJORNSTJERNE  BJORNSON 


translated  from  the  Norwegian 


-• 


^ 


*  •  . 


^ 


AUG    SAHL3ERG 


SPECIALTY    SYNDICATE    PRESS 
CHICAGO,  ILLINOIS 
1912 


Copyright  1912,  by  Aug.  Sahlberg 


*  *  »      i 


PT  2  2  it* 
M  3  CS 

'  1  \2~ 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 


259978 


CHARACTERS. 


Mary  Stuart,  Queen  of  Scotland. 

Henry  Darn  ley,  her  consort,  titular  king. 

James,  Earl  of  Murray,  her  half-brother. 

Lord  Stuart,  the  same. 

The  Duchess  of  Argyle,  her  half-sister. 

Maitland,  Earl  of  Lethington,  her  secretary  of 

state. 
David  Rizzio,  her  private  secretary  of  foreign 

correspondence. 
James  Hepburn,  Earl  of  Bothwell. 
The  Earl  of  Morton. 
Lord  Ruthven. 
Lord  Lindsay. 
Andrew  Kerr. 
William  Taylor. 
Captain  Erskine  of  the  guards. 
A  Citizen. 
John"  Knox. 
Courtiers,  Warriors,  Citizens 

The  first  and  second  acts  pass  in  the  first  days 
of  March,  1566,  at  Holyrood  Castle  in  Edin- 
burgh, the  third  act  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year, 
the  fourth  act  in  the  spring  of  the  next  year 
(1567),  both  in  and  at  Edinburgh,  the  fifth  at 
Dunbar  Castle,  a  little  over  two  months  there- 
after. 


Mary,  Queen  of  Scots 


ACT  FIRST 


The  large  drawing-room  in  the  castle  of  Holy- 
rood, 


SCENE  FIRST. 

The  drawing-room  festively  decorated.  There 

is  a  ball,  there  is  just  being  danced  a  Purpose. 

The  Queen  dances  with  her  half-brother,  Lord 

Stuart;  among  the  dancers  the  Earl  of  Leth- 
ington  zvilh  the  Countess  of  Argyle.  the  Earl 

of  Morton,  the  Earl  of  Bothwell,     Quite  in 

front  stand  Lord  Lindsay,  Andrew  Kerr  and 

n  Citizen,  all  three  dressed  in  dark  and  peculiar 

tclothes;    several    Presbyterians     crowd     around 

them.     Rizzio  is  seen  a  little  later  on  the  other 

side  in  a  whispering,  quiet  conversation   with  a 

noble.     Toward  the  close  Darnley  enters  alone. 

(The  following  conversation  is  carried  on 
every  time  the  music  becomes  soft  or  a  rest  is 
taken.) 


8  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Lindsay. 

Look,  the  dancing  lines  wind  as  snakes  in  the 
sun !  Listen,  the  music  plays  with  the  flames  of 
hell!     The  devil's  roar  of  laughter  is  in  it! 

Andrew  Kerr. 

Hush,  hush;  the  penalty  will  overwhelm  them 
as  the  sea  overwhelmed  Pharao's  army. 

Lindsay. 
Look,    how    they    whisper!       The    infecting 
breath  of  sin !      See  their  voluptuous  smile,  see 
the  ladies'  frivolous  gowns. 

Citizen. 

All  which  Knox  preaches  is  wasted  on  this 
court ! 

4 

Lindsay. 

He  is  as  the  prophet  in  Israel,  he  does  not 
speak  in  vain ;  for  the  Lord  Himself  will  re- 
deem His  words  upon  the  ungodly  race. 

Andrew   Kerr. 
There   is   David   Rizzio. 

Several. 
He,  there  to  the  right?  — 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  9 

Andrew   Kerr. 
The  Catholic  seducer ! 

Lindsay. 
The  pope's  secret  agent ! 

Andrew   Kerr. 
Member  of  the  new  Jesu  society? 

Citizen. 
The  devil's  smartest  machinator  ! 

Andrew   Kerr. 

Within  eight  days  he  shall  also  get  work  in 
his  shop! 

Lindsay. 
Let  us  part.     We  create  suspicion  ! 

Andrew   Kerr 
(to  the  citizens  and  others). 
Come  I 

(They  go  behind  the  dancers.  Rizzio  has 
gone  up  on  his  side  of  the  stage.  Darnley 
comes  quickly  down  toivard  Lindsay  and  watches 
the  dance.) 

Lindsay 
(behind  him), 
Mv  Lord! 


10  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Darnley 
(does  not  answer). 

Lindsay. 
My  Lord !     (As  before.)    My  Lord,  ally  your- 
self with  the  Lord's  faithful  people!     Save  us 
from  this  Jesebel ! 

Darnley. 
Oh,  how  charming  she  is ! 

Lindsay. 
She  is  granted  this  power  by  the  devil!     Be* 
Ware,  my  Lord,  you  have  now  suffered  and  wept 
long  enough  under  it! 

Darnley. 
I  have  suffered  and  wept,  but  look  at  her,  if 
she  is  not  worth  it !  No,  she  has  this  power  from 
heaven;  for  at  the  sight  of  her  I  am  exalted  as 
on  a  nice,  clear  spring-day!  Look,  look,  her 
every  motion  gleams  like  the  sun!  When  she 
bows  there  falls  a  shadow;  when  she  rises  there 
come  sun-beams,  when  she  steps  forward  hearts 
throb  in  unison ! 

Ltndsay. 

He  is  mad ! 

(Goes.) 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  U 

Darnley. 

Every  time  I  see  her,  it  seems  to  me  that  I 
never  have  seen  her  before!  If  I  did  not  want 
to  speak  to  her  once  more,  I  must  be  as  the 
snowy  mountain  at  Loch  Linnch  !  She  is  more 
alone  than  the  royal  power  with  all  its  splendor  \ 

{He  stays  until  the  dance  is  finished,  and  the 
queen,  led  by  Stuart,  comes  up  in  front,  where 
Stuart  with  bent  knees  expresses  his  thanks  for 
the  dance,  absents  himself,  speaks  to  a  servant 
and  comes  back  again  immediately;  Darnley 
ffoes  up  to  her  in  the  meanwhile. ,) 

Darn  lev. 

I  am  more  impatient  for  a  conversation  witfo 
your  grace  than  as  a  boy  I  was  for  fairy-tales. 

Stuart. 

Supper  is  ready,  we  expect  the  order  from 
your  grace. 

Queen, 
Then  ask  the  ladies  and  gentlemen  to  enjoy 
themselves.      We,  ourselves,  wish  to  wait  here 
with  the  King. 

Stuart 

{invites  to  supper  after  which  each  retires 
with  his  lady,  while  festive  march  is  played.} 


12  MART,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

SCENE  SECOND. 


Darnley. 

The  dance  has  brought  roses  to  your  cheeks. 
They  were  perhaps  not  intended  for  me,  but  ray 
heart  has  kept  them. 

Queen. 

My  Lord,  if  it  is  a  matter  which  allows  post- 
ponement— 

Darnley. 

No,  it  allows  no  postponement,  my  heart  is 
being  lacerated,  I  can't  do  the  measured  walk  in 
a  cold  ceremonial.  Mary,  why  have  we  grown 
apart  ? 

Queen. 

Because  my  Lord  prefers  other  company  to 
ours. 

Darnley. 
I  ? — Am   I  then  myself  without  you  ? 

Queen. 
Oh,  among  my  Lord's  pot-companions  together 
with  frivolous  women  it  is  certain! v  more  jovous 
than    in    our    rooms. 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  13 

Darn  lev. 

Oh,  do  not  mention  what  I  might  do  to  deaden 
my  sorrow  and  pain.  But  nobody  except  Mary 
of  Scotland  can  cause  me  that. 

Queen. 

Is  it  an  accusation  you  intend  to  make? 

Darnley. 

He  that  loves  to  desperation,  has  an  accusa- 
tion against  every  living  thing*  [against  joy  be- 
cause it  is  too  joyous,  against  sorrow  because  it 
is  too  sad.  I  waste  my  time  as  a  day  laborer 
who  will  not  work  for  less  than  a  certain  price; 
but  there  is  a  price  under  which  I  even  do  not 
want  to  live. — ]  Oh.  what  shall  I  do  to  regain 
your  love? 

Queen. 

It  is  too  bad,  my  Lord,  that  I  can  not  men- 
tion any  price  too  high. 

Darnley. 

You  are  of  the  Guises'  family, — splendent  as 
the  diamond  and  also  as  hard. 


*That   enclosed   between   brackets  might 

be  omitted  at  the  performance. 


14  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Queen. 
Antonius  melted  a  diamond  which  Cleopatra 
drank. 

Daunley. 
But  that  cost  many  millions. 

Queen. 
It  was  that  I  wanted  to  recall. 

Darnley. 
I   am  poor;   for   I   have  given   everything  to 
you, — even  my  peace  of  conscience. 

Queen. 

What  I  gave  you  as  compensation  you  have 
also  wasted. 

Darnley. 

Oh,  Mary,  the  first  months  of  our  marriage  I 
believed  that  you  loved  me! 

Queen. 
My  God !     I  believed  the  same ! 

Darnley. 
But  now  there  has  come  one  between  us ! 

Queen. 
My  Lord ! 

(Starts  to  go.) 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  15 

Darnley. 
No,  listen  to  me,  or  it  might  be  too  late. 

Queen 
(stops). 
Do  you  threaten? 

Darnley. 

Mary,  you  do  not  know  what  love  can  force 
one  to ! 

Queen. 
Yes, — to  rudeness  ! 

Darnley 
(excitedly). 
To  still  more!     I  could  in  cold  blood  .  .     no, 
do  not  force  me,  Mary ! 

Queen. 
That  is  just  what  I  am  not  able  to  do. 

Darnley. 

But  the  day  you  are  able  to  do  it  you  shall 
repent  of  it ! 

Queen 

(more   excitedly ) . 
No,  show  yourself  as  a  man;  my  God!     I  am 
a  woman ! 


IB  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Darnley. 
Oh,  only  that  flash  in  your  eye,  only  that  mo- 
tion, and  I  love  you  again  to  frenzy ! 

Queen. 
Yes,  you  can  love,  Henry ! 

Darnley. 
But  you  can't,  Mary  ! 

Queen 
(smiles). 

Darnley. 
That  smile  says  both  yes  and  no,  but  there 
are  thousands  of  each,  and  I  can  not  count. 

Queen. 
It  is  also  only  a  page  who  counts  the  smiles 
of  his  mistress. 

Darnley. 
If  I  knew  one  who  tried  to,  I  would  kill  him. 

Queen. 
Jealousy  is  also  a  page-fault. 

Darnley. 
It  is  impossible  to  love  without  being  jealous. 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  17 

Queen. 
Not  even  when  I  return  the  love? — 

Darnley. 

No;  for  you  never  return  it  otherwise  than 
that  you  have  some  left. 

Queen* 
Poor  Darnley! 

Darnley. 

If  you  weTe  able  to  feel  pity,  you  would  re- 
vnove  the  cause  of  the  sickness, — then  you  would 
remove  him  that  hurts  me. 

Queen. 
Then  I  should  have  to  remove  my  whole  court. 

Darnley. 
No,  only  one! 

Queen. 
My  Lord! 

Darnley. 

There  is  one  to  whom  you  show  more  confi- 
dence than  to  all  others  put  together! 

Queen. 
Then  this  one  is  worthy  of  it. 


18  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Darnley. 
You    provoke    not    only    me,    but    the    proud 
nobility  of  the  whole  of  Scotland  by  promoting 
an  adventurer. 

Queen. 
What  more  are  the  others  ? 

Darnley. 
Nobles ! 

Queen. 
He  to  whom  I  give  my  confidence  is  ennobled. 

Darnley. 

But  others  are  more  worthy  of  it  I 

Queen. 

He  that  best  serves  my  plans  is  most  worthy 
of  it ! 

Darnley. 

Others  love  you  more ! 

Queen. 

My  God !     I  have  come  to  Scotland  for  some- 
thing else  than  to — love  I 

Darnley. 
I   should  wish  it  were  true,  when  we  speak 
about — Rizzio ! 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  19 

Queen. 
My  Lord! 

Darn  ley. 
For  the  reports  which  are  current  deprive  me 
<■  >f  my  sleep  1 

Queen. 

Choose  a  better  pillow  than  Edinburgh's  float- 
ing rumors ! — 

Darnley. 

Well,  let  them  be  as  a  fog,  they  nevertheless 
always  return  .  .  .  let  my  whole  jealousy  be  naive 
vis  the  bird's  aimless  flight,  it  is  nevertheless  my 
'existence,  and  therefore  you  must  please  be  so 
kind  as  to  pay  attention  to  it! 

Queen. 
By  removing  Rizzio?     Never  1 

Darnley, 

Is  that  your  last  word? 

Queen, 

^ly  last! 

Darnley. 

Well.  If  you  do  not  pay  any  regard  to  me,  I 
shall  neither  pay  any  regard  to  you! 


20  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Queen. 
You  vex  me,  my  Lord. 

Darnley. 
Now  I   shall  not  speak  about  it  again, — but 
act. 

Queen. 
You  have  said  that  so  often  that  it  annoys  me. 

Darnley. 

That  you  scoff  at  the  love  which  you  yourself 
have  nourished  really  does  not  surprise  me;  for 
I  know  that  you  can  even  bring  it  to  the  scaffold. 

Queen 
(is   silent). 

Darnley. 

Poor  Chatelard,  it  cost  him  his  life;  but  it  is 
foretold  that  evervbodv  who  loves  vou  will  have 
to  pay  therefor  with  his  life. 

Queen 

(is  silent). 

Darnley. 

Oh,  Mary  ! — No,  snake  in  woman-slough,  evil 
plays  in  a  cascade  which  draw  people  to  their 
death    and    laugh    giddily    over   them, — I    shall 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  21 

nevertheless  find  the  net  which  catches  you,  and 
the  horror  which  conquers  you ;  I  shall  neverthe- 
less live  to  see  the  day  when  I  shall  cause  you 
to  weep,  Scotland's  beautiful  sphinx, — weep 
blood ! 

Queen. 

Then  it  will  not  be  the  first  time! 
(She  bursts  out  weeping.) 

Darn  lev. 
Oh,   Mary,   forgive  me,  I   am  not  bad;  it  is 
only  since  the  day  I  saw  you  that  such  thoughts 
have    grown    on    me;    but    then    you    must    also 
have  power  to  remove  them.     Oh,  be  gentle.  .  . 

Queen. 
Now  I  am  going  to  Rizzio  ! 

(She  goes.) 


SCENE  THIRD. 


Darnley 

(alone). 

To  Rizzio?     To  Rizzio!     I  shall  follow!      I 
shall  kill  him  in  the  large  drawing-room  in  the 


22  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

presence  of  all  Scotland's  lords !  .  .  .  No,  that 
would  only  hit  him,  but  not  her.  I  must  hit  her, 
she  must  learn  to  fear;  for  she  loves  only  him 
whom  she  fears!  She  said  it  herself:  "Become 
a  man!"  said  she.  Yes,  I  shall  that,  and  the 
deed  which  makes  me  a  man  shall  frighten  you  as 
if  you  were  a  child!  Lethington  is  right.  Mor- 
ton is  right,  .  .  .  where  are  they  now?  [What? 
Gratitude?  Gratitude  toward  her?  She  scorns 
me  daily,  she  denies  me  the  crown,  she  lets  me 
live  an  idle  life  as  mock-king,  half  a  mockery  to 
others,  but  wholly  to  myself,  and]  she  besmirches 
my  honor  and  gives  my  right  to  another.  She 
sees  the  need  and  miserv  of  mv  soul,  but  she 
lets  me  live  in  it. 

(Music  is  heard  from  the  inner  rooms.) 
This  music  rose  six  months  ago  at  the  dances 
of  the  intoxicating  marriage  festival,  now  it  finds 
me  alone  and  in  the  darkness  of  bad  thoughts. 
But  she  has  remained  in  the  light  of  the  festal 
drawing-room — and  on  the  arm  of  another!  Oh, 
how  soon  did  the  fall  come !  The  leaves  of  love 
have  faded  and  fallen  off;  I  once  saw  flowers, 
but  did  not  discover  any  fruits.  (The  music 
becomes  louder.)  But  in  there — what  color  and 
delight.  Wait,  wait  ...  an  evening  I  shall  break 
in    with   a   hundred    steel-clad   men;   then   there 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  23 

shall  be  a  glare  as  of  blue  ice,  and  the  red  color 
shall  flow  over  it !  There  is  Lethington !  Have 
our  thoughts  also  an  echo  I 


SCENE  FOURTH. 


Lethington. 

I  come  from  a  scene  in  the  large  drawing-room 
which  has  amazed  all.     The  queen.  .  . 

Darnley. 

...  the  queen ! 

Lethington. 

.  .  .  entered,  went  straight  toward  David 
Rizzio,  whispered  to  him,  then  took  his  arm  and 
led  him  to  the  inner  rooms. 

Darnley. 
Oh,  gracious  God,  preserve  my  wits! 

Lethington. 

I  was  standing  at  the  side  of  the  French 
Envoy.  He  said:  "To  what  room  do  you  think 
they  are  going  now?" 

Darnley. 
He  is  lying! 


24  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Lethington. 

I  answered  at  once:  "Doubt  can  not  be 
raised  about  such  a  high  lady's  manners." 

Darnley. 
Oh,  too  great,  Lethington,  too  great! 

Lethington. 

The  French  Envoy  remarked:  "Yesterday 
3ne  saw  David  give  audience  in  a  blue  dressing- 
2jown !  among  them  that  had  entry  was  the 
:meen." 

Darnley. 

It  is  a  devilish  lie,  she  has  never  called  upon 
dim. 

Lethington. 

This  is  word  for  word  as  I  on  your  account 
answered,  and  England's  Envoy  who  just  joined 
is  eagerly  contradicted  it;  for  he  knew  for  sure 
:hat  Rizzio  on  the  contrary  had  called  upon  the 
jueen  in — dressing  gown. 

Darnley. 
Ha,  ha,  ha! 

t 

Lethington. 
Yes,  it  is  only  to  laugh  at.  • 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  25 

Dai.xlev. 

Ha,  ha,  lia !  my  honor,  my  life  is  only  to  laugh 
at;  my  sleepless  love  also,  and  my  mother's 
crushed  happiness,  and  my  father's  immense 
pride,  only  to  laugh  at! — Lethington,  you  are  a 
damned  rascal !  You  lead  me  directly  to  my  de- 
struction ;  I  feel  it,  and  can,  nevertheless,  not  re- 
sist. For  it  is  only  with  her  that  I  can  seek  sal- 
vation against  you;  but  she  pushes  me  back  as  a 
prey    for   your   rapacity. 

Lethington. 
1  wish  your  grace  a  rapid  recovery. 
(Starts  to  leave.) 

Darn  ley. 
Lethington,  do  not  go  away  from  me !  Lething- 
ton !  Yes,  I  am  sick,  I  have  not  slept  for  many 
nights,  I  fear  being  alone ;  sometimes  I  fear  for 
my  wits.  Oh,  Lethington,  why,  I  am  still  almost 
a  child,  only  nineteen,  I  am  not  strong  enough  to 
bear  so  hard  a  fate.  And  then  I  love  her  too 
much!  Oh,  if  she  only  would  say  a  single  kind 
word  to  me,  even  if  it  were  that  she  was  guilty, 
only  if  she  would  ask  my  pardon,  I  would  for- 
give her,  Lethington  ! 

Lethington. 
That  God  and  vour  honor  forbid. 


26  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Darn  ley. 

I  know  that;  but  I  have  no  other  God  and 
honor  than  her  love.  If  she  only  would  come 
back  to  me  with  tears,  I  would  take  her  into  my 
arms  and  carry  her  before  the  proudest  court  of 
Europe  and  openly  confess  that  I  am  the  most 
happy  man  in  the  world ! 

Oh,  I  have  been  that,  Lethington!  The  first 
two  months  of  our  marriage  she  wanted  only  to 
be  where  I  was.  This  lady,  Europe's  prettiest, 
most  witty  and  most  charming,  she  was  mine ;  the 
most  charming  dream  any  youth  has  dreamt  that 
was  my  daily  life,  and  I  was  only  eighteen ! 

But  it  soon   came  to  an  end.  .  . 

(He  weeps.) 

Lethington. 
A   man    revenges    such    a   thing,   he   does   not 
weep. 

Darnlev. 

It  is  childish,— I  know  that;  but  now  the 
emptiness  of  the  night  is  my  day,  and  the  dis- 
turbance of  the  day  has  moved  down  into  my 
night.  If  I  were  not  allowed  to  weep  once  in  a 
while,  my  painful  thoughts  would  break  my 
heart. 

(Weeps.) 


MARY,  QUEEA  OF  SCOTS  27 

Lethington. 
..  Consequently  it  is  best  to  drop  the  entire  plan. 

Darnley. 

Which,  Lethington? 

Lethington. 

Perhaps  you  do  not  even  wish  that  any  one 
of  us  shall  challenge  the  impudent  fellow  to  a 
duel.    .    . 

Darnley. 

A  duel?  Give  David  Rizzio  an  even  piece  of 
steel  in  his  hand?  From  behind,  Lethington,  with 
twenty  stabs,  and  still  some  when  he  is  lying 
dead!  [Undress  him  so  and  string  him  up  to 
shame  and  disgrace  to  all  the  world.  He  that 
ruined  my  happiness  must  also  perish  as  every 
bad  insect!]  Lethington,  why  there  is  no  crime 
on  earth  more  awful  than  to  coax  one's  wife  into 
his  confidence,  and  then  deceive  her. 

Lethington. 

Have  vou  never  done  it  vourseif,  Henry 
Darnley  ? 

Darnley. 
I  have  not  before  known  what  it  was. 


28  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Lethington. 

But  are  you  now  also  so  sure  in  your  case? 
The  appearance  is  strong;  but  perhaps  it  is  ap- 
pearance; what  if  she  now  assured  you  of  her  in- 
nocence ? 

Darnley. 

She  laughs,  when  I  speak  about  it,  yes,  she 
assured  me  almost  of  the  contrary. 

[Lethington. 
She  defies  vou? 

Darnley. 
Yes,  she  now  went  straight  to  Rizzio. 

Lethington. 

Perhaps  just  because  she  felt  herself  strong 
in  her  innocence? 

Darnley. 

But  why  does  she  not  prove  it  to  me?     Why, 

she  sees  my  suffering?! 

Lethington. 
She  does  not  love  you. 

Darnley. 
No ! 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  29 

Lethington. 

And  she  does  not  fear  you. 

Darnlev. 
That  is  just  the  misfortune! 

Lethington. 

Her  defying  nature  loves  only  him  whom  she 
fears ! 

Darnley, 
It  is  so;  just  so  ! 

Lethington. 

If  your  grace  consequently  could  get  her  to 
fear.  .  . 

Darnley. 
That  is  what  I  want,  [Lethington! 

Lethington. 
But  for  that  courage  is  necessary ! 

Darnley. 
I  shall  try;  for  my  whole  future  is  at  stake! 

Lethington. 

Even  if  she  assured  positively  that  your  asser- 
tion  is    false. 


/•  •  a 


30  MARY.,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Darnlev. 
But  if  it  were  false,  Lethington? 

Lethington. 
Then  it  could  be  true !    For  she  does  not  love, 
and  she  does  not  fear. 

Darnley. 
You  are  right,  you  are  right ! 

Lethington. 
But  do  you  see  how  easily  you  give  up ! 

Darnley. 

I  shall  not! — ]  But  Lethington  .  .  if  she  in 
a  moment  of  danger  applied  to  me  as  her  natural 
protector  ? — 

Lethington. 
Then  ask  her  why  she  did  not  come  sooner. 

Darnley. 

You  are  right  .  .  .  now  she  shuns  me,  now  she 
defies  me. 

LetHington. 

If  you  yield  at  the  moment  of  the  punishment* 
she  will  also  despise  you,  and  later  she  will  know 
no  limit. 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  M 

DarnleY. 

That  is  true. 

Lethington. 

Guilty  or  innocent — she  must  find  her 
master !  .  t  . 

Darnley. 

Or  my  life  is  the  torment  of  hell,  d  sneaking 
consumption  which  every  one  of  her  moments 
can  make  worse. 

Lethington. 
Your  grace  must  know  that  just  during  the 
last  few  days  there  has  become  a  more  intimate 
relation  between  Rizzio  and  her  than  ever  before* 

Darnley. 
How  do  you  know  that? 

LethingtoN. 
He  has  been  overwhelmed  with  gifts;  I  have 
heard  that  in  clothes  alone  he  owns  many  thou- 
sand pounds. 

Darnley. 
Disgraceful,  disgraceful! 

Lethington. 
She  has  just  added  from  her  own  ornaments 
to  his  collection  of  jewels  and  precious  stones. 


32  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Darn  ley. 

Is  there  then  more  doubt !  Oh,  Lethington,  I 
have  called  Murray  home,  I  have  called  his  whole 
expelled  party, — I  have  united  myself  with  my 
enemies,  yes,  with  the  devil  himself — rather 
than  to  put  up  with  this  shame  and  suffering. 

Lethington. 

Murray  is  on  the  way  ...  we  must  make 
haste ! 

Darnley. 

Come  to  me  to-morrow,  let  us  make  a  more 
definite  appointment,  put  all  a  going,  but  hurry; 
for  if  a  sharp  action  will  not  soon  bloodlet  my 
bad  blood,  then  vou  will  find  me  suffocated  a 
morning ! 

Lethington. 

Do  not  speak  so  loudly,  your  grace,  somebody 
is   coming. 

Darnley. 

I  want  to  go  out,  I  must  have  air  and  room. 
Lethington,  a  couple  of  my  servants,  ask  them  to 
accompany  me,  I  will  mount  a  horse  and  ride  out 
in   the   forest. 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  33 

Lethington. 
15 ut  it  is  deep  night. 

Dark  ley. 
Yes,  we  are  suited  for  one  another ! 
(lie  goes,  Lethington  follows  him,  but  meets 
■>n  the  door  a  servant.) 

Lethington 
(to  the  servant). 

Please  find  servants  for  the  king,  he  wants  to 
ride  out.     Be  quiek  ! 

(The  servant  goes  out.) 


SCENE  FIFTH 


Lethington. 

Poor  Darnley !      (Sees  Morton   in    the  door.) 
No  one  is  here. 

Morton 
(remains  standing). 

But  somebody  might  come  here. 

Lethington. 
Have  you.  my  Lord,  seen  the  new  picture  of 
the   queen?      (Places   himself   before   it.   Morton 


34  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

comes   and   does   likewise.)      It   is   an   excellent 
likeness. 

Morton. 
The  expression  seems  to  me  too  defiant. 

Lethington. 
I  think  it  can  be  corrected. 

Morton. 
Have  you  inquired  into  that  ? 

Lethington. 
I  am  sure  it  will  be  corrected. 

Morton. 
Do  they  agree? 

Lethington. 
In  everything. 

Morton. 
And  the  time? 

Lethington 
(confidentially) . 
At  once! — [One  can't  wait.  The  Spanish  sub- 
sidies have  arrived,  she  will  also  get  the  prop- 
erties of  the  exiled.     Within  eight  days  she  will 
begin    open    war    against    the    Protestants    and 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  35 

against  England  ...   as  her  allies  she  has  all 
Europe !] 

Morton 

(softly), 

Then  to-morrow? 

Lethington 
(likewise}. 

To-morrow,  Knox's  house,  at  four  o'clock  in 
the  afternoon  3 

.Morton 
(likewise). 
But  they  are  on  the  track.     The  king  has  been 
tattling,  Lord  Stuart  has  heard  him  threaten. 

Lethington. 
Then  they  must  be  put  on  a  false  scent. 

Morton. 
You   want   Murray's   ring   to   throw  into   the 


Italia 


(Gives  it.) 
Lethington. 


Yes. — Nothing  more  here. 


Morton 
(loudly). 


36  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

An  excellent  picture  indeed;  only  the  im- 
perious expression  must  be  moderated. 

Lethington 

(loudly). 

And  the  Italian  false  shirt  taken  away.  (Mor- 
ton goes  in  the  meanwhile  up,  along  and  out.) 
There  comes  Rizzio — aha !  in  conversation  with 
Stuart ! 

(Up  along,  to  the  side  and  out.) 


SCENE  SIXTH. 


Rizzio. 

I  believe,  nevertheless,  that  my  Lord  sees 
specters  in  broad  da}r-light.  The  exiled  Murray 
is  in  want  in  England,  his  faction  in  still  great- 
er, Elizabeth  does  not  want  to  help  them;  Eliz- 
abeth only  helps  them  that  succeed.  From  where 
then  do  they  get  means  to  start  another  rebellion 
in  Scotland  ? 

Stuart. 

Not  rebellion,  Monsieur;  I  have  not  spoken 
about  rebellion.     No,  it  is  worse! 

Rizzio. 
What  is  worse  than  rebellion  ? 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  37 

Stuart. 
Assassination. 

Rizzio 

(horrified). 

Assassination!  (Crosses  himself .)  The  Holy 
Virgin  will  protect  her  own  faith  and  its  true 
servants. 

Stuart. 

The  Holy  Virgin  has  her  notions  as  every 
other  woman,  and  I  advise  Monsieur  to  strength- 
en the  guards  of  the  castle. 

Rizzio. 
I  thank  my  Lord  for  the  sagacious  advice. 

Stuart. 

Madame  ma  soeur  knows  herself  that  there 
have  already  been  attempts  made  three  times  on 
her  dear  person  in  this  rough  country.  This 
time  it  might  perhaps  be  directed  against  sev- 
eral. 

Rizzio. 

Whom  does  my  Lord  mean  ? 

Stuart. 

Monsieur  knows  that  he  is  not  loved  by  this 
country's  nobles. 


38  MARY,  QUEEN   OF  SCOTS 

Rizzio. 

The  saint  Antonius  of  Padua,  my  patron  saint, 
will  protect  me  against  bad  people.  The  queen, 
my  high  mistress,  will  graciously  watch  my 
safety. 

Stuart. 

Speak  to  Mr.  Erskine,  captain  of  the  guards; 
it  is  certainly  he  that  can  protect  monsieur. 

Rizzio. 
Thank  you,  my  Lord,  I  shall  speak  to  him. 

Stuart. 

Monsieur,  not  for  his  own  sake,  but  because 
madame  ma  soeur  shows  him  especial  favor,  have 
I  said  this  to  him.  Monsieur,  I  have  to  lead  off 
the  dance. 

Rizzio. 
Mv   Lord! 


SCENE  SEVENTH. 


Rizzio. 
Assassination  ! 

(As  he  turns  around,  Lethington   stands    just 
behind  him;  he  is  horrified  ) 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  39 

Lethingtox. 
Are  you  afraid  I  will  assassinate  you? 

Rizzio. 
Who  has  said? — 

Lethingtox. 

J  wish  to  speak  to  you.  It  is  Count  Morton 
who  has  sent  me.  You  know  he  does  not  like  to 
speak  to  you  himself. 

RlZZIO. 

When  such  a  polite  messenger  is  at  his  ser- 
vice, I  suppose  it  serves  him  best. 

Lethingtox. 

He  is  himself  messenger  from  a  still  greater 
personage. 

Rizzio. 
From  whom? 

Lethingtox. 
From  Murray. 

,     Rizzio. 

The  exiled  rebel!  So  they  carry  on  negotia- 
tions? 

Lethingtox. 

As  to  that  you  must  ask  Morton  himself. 


40  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Rizzio. 

Murray's  matters  are  completely  indifferent 
to  me  as,  also,  are  they  that  take  care  of  them. 

Lethington. 

It  might  be  that  one  might  make  matters  a 
little  interesting  for  you. 

Rizzio. 

They  will  hardlv  succeed  in  that. 

(Sits.) 

Lethington 

(aside). 
He  sits  in  my  presence ! 

Rizzio. 
Please  sit  down,  Mr.  Secretary  of  the  State ! 

Lethington. 

I  am  very  much  obliged  to  you,  Mr.  Private 
Secretary!  (Sits  clown  with  his  back  portly 
toward  him  and  both  his  feet  on  a  chair.)  Have 
you  no  passions,  David  Rizzio? 

Rizzio. 

It  is  dangerous  for  a  politician  to  entertain 
passions. 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  41 

Lethington. 

A  remark  so  true  that  I  have  just  recently 
made  it.     Nevertheless  .  .  . 

(He  begins  to  play  with  Count  Murray's 
ring.) 

Rizzio. 

You  mean  that  nobody  can  claim  to  be  free 
from  passion? 

Lethington 
(ivith  emphasis). 
Yes. 

Rizzio. 

But  then  it  is  the  thing  to  take  care  that  they 
are  identical  in  all  points  with  our  work.  .  . 

Lethington. 
...  so  no  hand  can  come  between  ;  certainlv  ! — 

Rizzio. 

And  if  I  should  tell,  why  I  have  succeeded 
so  far,  in  that  only  I  seek  the  reason. 

Lethington. 
Indeed,  not  absurd. 

Rizzio. 
The    Scotch    are    prone   to   have    some   inher- 


42  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

itaiice,    dream,    revenge,    ambition    to    take    care 
of.  and  therefore  get  into  trouble. 

Lethington. 

That  is  true,  especially  in  this  disturbed  time 
of  transition,  during  which  old  and  new  are  fight- 
ing for  souls. 

Rizzio. 

I  came  as  a  stranger  to  this  country,  I  have 
only  the  aim  to  be  true  and  of  use  to  my  queen. 

Lethington. 

Therefore  she  prefers  you  to  us, — it  is  quite 
natural. 

Rizzio. 

If  it  is  not  just  natural,  it  is  not  without  pru- 
dence  anyway. 

Lethington. 

No,  no. 

Rizzio. 
The  result  has  not  spoken  against  it. 

Lethington. 

The  Catholic  cause  now  stands  well,  that  is 
true 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  43 

Rizzio. 

What   wonderful   ring  is   it   anyway  the   Earl 
is  holding  there? 

Lethington. 

A  costly  one,  is  it  not  ? 

Rizzio 

()'ises). 
I  have  seldom  seen  such  a  splendor  !     What  ? — 
It    is    worth    more    than    the    largest    crown-dia- 
mond ! 

Lethington. 

Were  you  once  clerk  in  a  jeweler's  shop! 


Rizzio. 


When  I  buy  precious  stones,  I  send  for  them. 

Lktiuisgtox. 

I    am    glad    that    at    last    one    can    value    this 
precious  stone. 

Rizzio. 

I  love  pretty  stones;   I  myself  have  a  collec- 
tion. 

Lethington. 

If  you  love  stones,  you  must  know  this  one; 
lor  collectors  have  sharp  eyes. 


44  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Rizzio 

[views  it  more  closely}. 
The  Earl  of  Murray's!     Have  you  bought  it? 

Lethington. 
No,  he  wants  to  give  it  away ! 

Rizzio. 
This  immense  fortune  ...  to  whom? 

Lethington. 
To  you,  David  Rizzio ! 

Rizzio. 

To  me ! 

Lethington 
{rises}. 

The  proud  Count  Murray  begs  you  to  plead 
his  cause  with  his  sister,  the  queen ; — can  you 
get  a  greater  proof  how  completely  you  have 
conquered !  The  Protestant  party  which  a  few 
years  ago  was  uncontrolled  master  is  so  forced 
back  that  its  first  man  must  beg  for  grace  from 
the  secret  agent  of  the  Pope  at  this  court. 

Rizzio. 
It  pains  you,  Earl  of  Lethington? 

Lethington. 
I   should  not  be  the  frank  man  that  I  am,  if 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  45 

I  concealed  that  it  pains  me. — Here  is  the  ring! 

Rizzio. 

The  Earl  of  Murray's  misfortune  also  pains 
me;  but  I  can't  help  him  to  come  back. 

Lethington. 
You  will  not? 

Rizzio. 

I  can  understand  that  with  your  usual  acute- 
ness  you  have  found  my  passion ;  but  I  am  sorry 
to  say  that  in  this  it  does  not  coincide  with  the 
policy  of  the  queen.     Au  revoir — ! 

(About  to  go.) 

Lethington 

(opens  the  door  of  the  stove  to  throw  the 
ring  in). 

Rizzio. 

For  the  Madonna's  sake !  What  are  vou 
doing? 


Lethington, 


It  now  has  no  destination, 

Rizzio. 
Why,  it  is  a  fortune,  it  is  more  than  all  I  own  I 


46  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Lethington. 
Do  you  want  to  save  it? 

Rizzio. 

Of  course ! 

Lethington. 
Then  take  it. 

Rizzio. 
Xo. — But  give  it  to  his  sister,  the  queen;  let 
her  keep  it  for  the  earl ! 

Lethington. 

For  the  earl — - 

(Starts  to  throw  it  into  the  stove.) 

Rizzio. 

You  do  not  know  its  value;  you  do  not  know 
what  you  destroy.    . 

Lethington. 
Weil,  then   you  might   as   well  keep  it  your- 
self » 

Rizzio. 

Keep  it?  Well, — with  pleasure! — but  not  as 
if  my  way  of  procedure  should  in  any  way  be 
bound  by  that. 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  47 

Lethington. 

Bul,  as  a  daily  remembrance,  nevertheless, 
bow  unhappy  the  queen's  brother  is. 

(Gives  it.) 

RlZZIO 

(takes   it). 

And  as  a  daily  remembrance  of  a  proud 
moment  in  my  life! 

Lethington. 

To  that  you  have  a  right  of  course.  But  T 
suppose  I  may  hope  that  this,  the  Earl  of  Mur- 
ray's submission,  has  not  been  altogether  in 
vain. 

RlZZIO 

You  yourself  must  understand  that  after 
this  proof  I  can  not  any  longer  consider  Count 
Murray  and  his  party  dangerous.  I  can't  say 
more. 


SCENE  EIGHTH. 


Stuart. 

Monsieur,  madame  ma  soeur  commands  vour 
presence. 


48  MARY,  QUEEN  OE  SCOTS 

Lethington. 
Mr.   Secretary! 

Rizzio. 
My  Lord! 

•Lethington 

(goes). 

Rizzio. 
WHere   is   the   queen? 

Stuart. 
I  shall  guide  him. 

Rizzio. 

As  to  the  advice  which  my  Lord  so  kindly 
gave  me,  I  can  now  assure  my  Lord  that  it  was 
quite  unnecessary. 

Stuart. 
That  gives  me  pleasure,  Monsieur. 

Rizzio. 

Not  with  murderous  weapon,  but  with  plead- 
ings and  gifts  they  seek  us.  And  the  highly 
amusing  air  with  which  some  noblemen  at  this 
court  deem  it  necessary  to  have  intercouse  with 
me  never  seemed  to  me  more  amusing  than  now. 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  49 

Au   revoir!      But   why,  there   is  the  queen  her- 
self!— 

Stuart. 
Her   usual    impatience   surpasses   all    rules   of 
etiquette.  .  . 

Queen. 
First  business,  then  dance!     Close  the  doors! 

Stuart, 

What  must  one  think! 

{Goes  out,) 


SCENE  NINTH. 


Queen. 
What  is  this.  Rizzior     They  spefk  to  me  the 
third  time  about  an  attack. 

Rizzio. 
Also  to  your  grace? 

Queen, 

Also  to  you? 

Rizzio, 
Yes.  just  now! — 


50  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Queen. 

Peculiar.  The  king  also  recently  threatened 
me. 

Rizzio. 
Your  grace  thinks  that  he  is  in  league  with.  .  . 

Queen. 

With  whom?  .  .  . 

Rizzio. 

[With  those  who  are  contemplating  an  at- 
tack. .  . 

Queen. 
Who  are  contemplating  an  attack? 

Rizzio. 
I  do  not  know.      (Pause.}      Ts  it  the  exiled? 

Queen. 

Mv  brother  Count  Murray?  Darnlev  should 
enter  into  an  alliance  with  my  .  .  .  with  mv 
enemies? — What  has  then  occured  here? 

Rizzio. 
Your  grace  must  best  know  that ! — 

Queen. 
He  recently  demanded  of  me — (Stops,  tool's 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  51 

■:it   Rizzio,   laughs J       Darnley   is   a    fool.      The 
whole  matter  is  fabrication. 

Rizzio. 
Your  grace  is  never  safe.  .  . 

Queen. 
What  proof  do  you  have  then?] 

Rizzio. 

Does  your  grace  recognize  this  ring? 

Queen, 
My  brother's? 

Rizzio. 

With   this    Count    Murray   wants   to    find   his 
way  back  to  your  grace's  halls-  — 

Queen. 
And  through  you  it  had  to  be  done? 

Rizzio. 

They  tried  it! — But  here  is  the  ring. 
{Wants   to   (jive   it,  she   sees   it,   but   does    not 
take  it.) 

Queen. 

They  ascribe  to  you  a  great  influence  with  us, 
Rizzio. 


52  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Rizzio. 
Only   to   make   me   a   suspect   in   the   eyes   of 
your  grace.- — Here  is  the  ring! 

Queen 
(as   before). 
Why  are  vou     more  faithful  to  me  than  the 
others,  Rizzio?— 

Rizzio. 

It  is  of  more  use  to  examine  into  why  they 
try  to  make  us  feel  safe  at  the  same  time  as  an 
assault  is  hinted  at.  .  . 

Queen. 

Many  before  have  also  been  true  to  me;  but 
they  have  all  had  their  reasons, — reasons  which 
I  have  seen.  .  . 

Rizzio. 

Your  grace,  they  are  certainly  meditating 
plots  against  you;  I  simulated  that  I  myself  felt 
safe,  but  I  am  not! — 

Queen. 
You  must  be  very  sure  of  our   favor.  David 
Rizzio.  since  you  do  not  even  answer  us  ! 

Rizzio. 
I  do  not  answer,  because  I  only  see  an  intrigue 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  53 

in  all  this:  they  are  trying  to  deprive  me  of 
your  grace's  favor,  and  that  at  a  very  import- 
ant moment. 

Queen. 

I  begin  to  tire  of  all  this  importance  they  as- 
cribe to  you. — and  which  you  also  ascribe  to 
yourself. 

Rizzio. 

Your  grace  is  unjust  toward  me; — but  I  shad 
try  to  endure  it, — as  I  daily  endure  indignities 
for  the  sake  of  your  grace. 

Queen. 

But  why  in  the  world  do  you  do  it? — There 
is   something  you   are   concealing. 

Ri::-'io. 

If  anything  concerning  me  is  mysterious  to 
your  grace,  then  my  acts  toward  your  grace,  the 
policies  which  till  this  day  have  borne  so  great 
fruits  for  the  Catholic  cause,  must  be  proof 
enough  that  I  am  devoted  to  you. 

Queen. 

That  is  true  !  But  why  am  I  always  to  hear 
i".  whv  shall  I  be  in  debt  to  vou  for  that?— Whv 


54  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

don't  you  for  example  want  to  become  a  noble- 
man ? 

Rizzio. 
Because  it  would  hurt  me. 

Queen. 
But  a  high  rank,  nevertheless? 

Rizzio. 
I  do  not  care  about  what  is  only  appearances. 

Queen. 
It  is  money,  precious  stones.  .  . 

Rizzio. 
Yes.  that  is  a  sure  investment. 

[Queen 
And  costly  clothes. 

Rizzio. 

I  am  uncomely  by  nature,  I  must  strive  to  im- 
prove it.]  But,  your  grace,  let  not  the  enemy's 
seed,  nevertheless,  grow  into  your  soul  immedi- 
ately. Let  us  not  on  account  of  these  trifles 
lose  sight  of  the  great  danger,  the  first  dark 
streak  of  which  is  seen  far  away.  [Lethington 
lias  designs,  he  and  Murray  and  Morton;  I 
simulated   that   T   was  ignorant  and   felt  myself 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  55 

safe,  but  I  am  afraid !  They  must  have  many 
aids ;  for  the  matter  is  so  spread  that  even  so 
egotistically  occupied  a  person  as  Lord  Stuart 
has  got  track  of  it; — surely,  scouts  must  now 
ride  out  at  night;  for  watchfires  are  seen  in  the 
big  forests !] 

Queen. 

I   have  now   been   assaulted  three   times^   and 
have  come  out  safe !     I  do  not  care  about  it ! 

Rizzio. 
Your  grace  has  such  great  courage.  .  . 

Queen. 

And  you  so  little !  .  .  . 

Rizzio. 
J  have  a  care  for  the  welfare  of  ''our  grace! 

Queen. 

But  have  you  that?     Why  do  you  put  up  with 
my  notions  and  the  slander  of  others ? 

Rizzio 

(angry). 
When   a   child   has   grown   tired   of  the  violin 
it  has  been  playing  on,  it  will  break  it  to  look 
at   it  on  the  inside! 


56  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Queen. 

Consequently  the  day  I  look  at  you  inside  ?  .  .  . 

Rizzio. 
Your   grace,   may    I   now  go? 

Queen. 

Can't  I  get  this  violin  together,  if  I  once  have 
looked  at  it  on  the  inside?  .  .  . 

Rizzio. 
No. 

Queen. 

Then    you    aim    at    something    very    high    in 
your   affection  ! 

Rizzio. 

Your  grace  has  no  more  use   for  me  to-day, 
I    suppose.    .    . 

(Starts  to  go.) 

Queen. 
Rizzio ! 

Rizzio. 
Yes,  your  grace.  .  . 

Queen. 

We  two  can't  work  together  any  more ;  I  can't 
speak  confidentially  to  a  masked  man. 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  57 

Rizzio. 

There  is  something  cruel  in  your  heart;  it  is 
not  the  first  time  I  have  seen  it! 

Queen. 

Are  you  afraid  of  any  one,  that  you  will  not 

say  it? 

* 

Rizzio. 
I  beg  you,  let  me  go  now  ! 

Queex. 
— Your  enemy,  the  king? 

Rizzio. 

Xo  !— 

Queen. 

The  nobles? — (As  he  is  silent.}  Is  your  desire 
some  unheard  of  exaltation, — well,  vou  shall 
have  it  in  spite  of  the  nobility  ! 

Rizzio. 
It  is  not  the  nobilitv  I  am  afraid  of. 

Queen. 

Alas,  I  understand  ...  it  is  the  whole  public 
opinion  of  Euroue.  But  whv,  vou  know,  Rizzio, 
it  amuses  me  to  furnish  material  for  gossip. 


58  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Rizsio. 
I  am  afraid  of  none  in  the  world — except — 

Queen. 
Except?-— Then  mention  it! 

Rizzio. 
You  yourself ! 

Queen. 
Me! — Now  I  order  you  to  speak! 

Rizzio. 

You  are  without  limit  and  regard ;  it  pleases 
you  to  see  me  consumed  by  the  most  powerful 
passion, — for  I  have  one  ! — it  is  that  which  has 
inflamed  me  and  it  will  inflame  me  to  the  great- 
est deeds  in  your  service  so  long  as  it  burns  to 
the  last  spark. — after  that  I  am  nothing. 

Queen. 

Such   eloquence! — Rizzio,   I  do  not  recognize 

you ! 

Rizzio. 

No,  most  gracious  Queen,  you  hiave  never 
known  me !  My  silence  has  been  a  daily  lie,,  and 
mv  fretfulness  the  seal.  But  now,  when  you 
have  opened,  my  lips   for  the  awful  truth,  now 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  59 

you  shall  know  it:  Only  he  that  has  a  great 
aim  can  forsake  all  small  ones;  only  he  to  whom 
one  thought  gives  strength  can  suffer ;  only  he 
that  is  waitings  can  put  up  with  peculiar  notions, 
scorn,   slander,   malice ! 

Queen. 

But  what  is  it  though? 

Rizzio. 

It  is, — yes,  know  first  though,  it  is  not  as 
Darnley,  who  is  tiring  and  pursuing  you,  not  as 
those,  who  before  the  world  will  boast  of  a 
glance,  a  word,  a  dance ,  not  as  those  that  make 
noise  and  duel  for  your  honor; — I  do  not  like 
to  be  mentioned  as  vour  lover,  but  one  dav  or 
another, — if  even  far  in  the  future,  if  a  life  full 
of  sacrifices  and  fidelity  is  necessary, — neverthe- 
less,  at  last,  to  become  it — 

Queex. 

Ha,  ha,  ha,  ha !  Ha,  ha,  ha,  ha  !  Ha,  ha, 
ha,  ha  ! 

Rizzio 
(  despa  i  ri  ngly\ 

Laugh  at  me,  but  remember,  what  silent  love 
has  done  for  you  during  these  toilsome  years  ! — 


60  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Then  laugh  at  me  and  cast  me  away,  as  all  the 
others, — why,  that  is  your  aim ! 

(Goes   out.) 


SCENE   TENTH. 


Queen 

(suddenly   serious). 

Didn't  I  think  so  ?  He  also  was  lurking  for 
a  feeble  moment!  He  also  my  secret  enemy! 
Can't  I  find  any  one  in  the  whole  world,  whom 
I  can  rely  upon?  [The  great  dread,  which  so 
suddenly  seizes  me,  does  that  prophesy  that  it 
will  have  a  bad  ending? — Yes,  it  will!]  They 
that  come  to  serve  me  intend  to  rob  me ;  they 
that  love  me  are  worse  to  rne  than  they  that 
hate  me!  I  feel  as  if  torn  to  pieces  and  can't 
compose  myself.  Oh,  you  Virgin  Mary,  who 
always  are  praying  for  me!  You  that  gave  me 
name,  vou  the  woman's  eternal  symbol,  shine 
forth  glorifying  me:  for  there  is  nobody  who 
helps  me!  [The  husband  I  selected  is  alter- 
nately a  child  and  a  jealous  tyrant:  my  own 
brother  turned  rebel,  and  against  my  council  I 
have  to  protect  myself  as  against  a  snake,  with 
which   I  am  locked  in  the  same  room]      Oh,   I 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  61 

need  protection !  I  have  a  need,  a  longing,  but 
I  do  not  know  where  I  dare  to  go.  (Pause.) 
The  silent,  patient  Rizzio  also ! — Darnley ,  you 
are  nevertheless  more  faithful  in  your  way  than 
all  the  others,- — and  you  are  so  young!  I  was  too 
strict  before,  I  shall  set  it  all  right  again. 
(Rings;  a  servant  enters.)  Call  Lord  Stuart! 
(The  servant  goes.)  Darnley  loves,  and  one  in 
love  can  do  everything! 


SCENE  ELEVENTH, 


Stuart 
(aside). 
Rizzio  is  not  here?     (Loudly.)     Madam! 

Queen. 

Let    the    music    start   up,    and    let   the    dance 
begin  ! 

Stuart. 
Immediately,  immediately,  your  grace! 

Queen. 

Call  Darnley  and  tell  him  that  I  ask  for  the 
first  dance. 


62  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Stuart. 
With  the  king? 

Queen, 
Yes. 

Stuart, 
But  the  king  has  not  been  seen! 

Queen. 

Oh,  look  for  him  in  his  suite;  if  he  has 
locked  himself  in,  knock  on  his  door  and  shout 
that  I  am  waiting  for  him  with  longing. 

Stuart. 
The  king? 

Queen 
(severely") , 
The  king! — But  hurry! 

Stuart. 

I  hurry,  I  hurry!  (Aside,)  Are  We  going  to 
make  love  to  the  king  at  this  court? 


Queen. 
Hut  go,  though ! 


Stuart. 


f  am  flying;. 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  63 

SCENE  TWELFTH. 


Queen. 

Where  I  am  placed,  I  must  work;  what  comes 
from  the  circumstances,,  I  must  put  up  with  ! 

(The  music  starts.) 

I  possess  youth  and  strength,  I  have  great 
designs  and  powerful  allies !  My  life  will  soon 
enter  into  the  high  council  of  mighty  acts ;  the 
{rifling  which  torments  me  will  then  cease  of 
itself! 

(The  dancers  come  in  pairs;  among  them 
Bothwell,  Lethington  and  Morton.) 


SCENE  THIRTEENTH, 


Stuart. 

I  am  very  sorry,  Madam,  but  the  king  is  not 
in  his  rooms. 

Queen. 

Then  search  for  him  everywhere.     Take  more 
people  with  you;  he  must  come! 


64  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Stuart. 

He  must  come  ! 

(Fie  goes.) 

Lethington. 
Is  it  the  king  they  are  searching  for? 

Several. 
Yes. 

LetHingtoN, 
I   saw  the  king  ride  away. 

Queen. 
Ride  away  .  .  .  in  the  middle  of  the  night? 

Lethington. 

I  made  the  same  remark;  but  "we  are  suited 
to  one  another,"  answered  he. 

Queen. 

Poor  Darnley !  I  was  too  strict  before.  Oh, 
he  should  have  been  here  now!  Now  is  the 
moment ! 

Stuart. 

Whom  does  your  grace  desire  to  honor  with 
vour  choice  ? 

Queen. 
None! — I  do  not  dance. 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  65 

Stuart. 

Oh,  your  grace,  do  not  make  us  despair.  It 
would  be  as  if  tearing  down  the  flowers  and  ex- 
tinguishing the  lights. 

The  Duchess  of  Argyle. 

Your  grace  must  not  cause  us  this  sorrow.  We 
have  been  waiting  so  long! 

(Several  ladies  urge  her.) 

Queen. 
Well,  to  please  you,  my  dear.  .  . 

All. 

Thank  you,  your  grace! 

(They    arrange   themselves   in    order.) 

Queen. 

Which  nobleman  does  your  grace  want  to 
honor  ? 

Queen 
(views  them,  says  as  she  turns  away). 
Is   there   among  them   all   a   single   one,    who 
has  not  deceived  me  in  an  hour  of  trouble,  or 
who  may  not  do  so? — Yes,  there  is  one! 

(To  Stuart.) 
The     Earl  of  Bothwell! 
(The    music    r/rorcs    louder.      Eotlncell    comes 


66  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

and  bends  his  knee  before  the  queen,  takes  her 
hand  and  leads  her  up  to  the  dancers.  He 
places  himself  vis  a  vis  Stuart  and  the  Duchess 
of  Argyle,  who  lead  off.  The  dance  is  a  slow, 
old  one.) 

{The  curtain  falls.) 


ACT  SECOND 


SCENE  FIRST. 


Knox 

{walks   slowly   up   and  down  with   both   hands 
behind  him.     A  knock  on  the  door). 
Come  In! 

(He  continues  his  xvalking,) 

Lindsay  and  Morton 
(enter)^ 

Cjood  afternoon! 

Lindsay. 
We  are  ordered  hither  at  four  o^elock. 

Knox 

(as  before). 
I  know  that. 

(Silence.) 

Morton. 
Is  Ruthven  able  to  be  one  of  the  party? 


68  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Knox. 
I  do  not  know. 

Lindsay 
(to  Morton  as  they  are  going  toward  the  front). 
How  many  men  has  my  Lord  enlisted? 

Morton, 
Five  hundred  archers. 

Lindsay, 
That  is  not  many. 

Morton. 

I  relv  on  those  fellows;  thev  have  served 
before  where  blood  has  flown.  Some  of  them 
oftener  than  any  one  of  us. 

Lindsay. 

The  palace-guard  is  small  so  it  is  quickly 
bound.     But  afterwards  the  citizens  might  come. 

Morton. 

My  men  do  not  esteem  a  citizen  more  than  a 
bull.  Most  of  them  have  served  in  France  or 
Germany  or  Denmark;  war  is  their  trade  and 
their  pleasure. 

Lindsay, 
If  I  were  king,  I  should  forbid  this  enlisting 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  69 

for  foreign  countries.     It  depraves  the  people. 

Morton. 

On  the  contrary,  it  better  prepares  the  people 
for  war. 

Lindsay. 

I  always  disagreed  with  the  Earl  of  Murray 
about  these  matters.  He  really  sold  the  children 
of  the  country  to  strangers. 

Morton. 

He  sold  boys  and  got  back  men.  Murray 
always  knows  what  he  is  doing. 

Lindsay. 

Do  you  think  he  will  arrive  at  the  right  time? 
The  hour  is  now  approaching. 

Morton. 

He -that  has  to  tidvel  secretly  must  often  make 
a  circuit.  -If  any  one  has  gotten  a  message  from 
him.  it  must  be  Knox. 

Lindsay 

(to  Knox). 
Have  you  heard  anything  from  Murray? 


70  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Knox 

(as  before). 
Yes. 

Morton. 
Is  he  coming? 

Knox. 
Immediately. 

Lindsay 
(to  Morton). 

That  is  well,  then  let  us  sit  down  while  we 
are  waiting.  I  do  not  deny  that  I  am  a  little 
excited.  One  controls  it  better  when  one  sits 
down. 

Morton. 

Then  I  am  entirely  quiet.  I  am  only  a  little 
vexed  at  Knox's  not  speaking  to  us.  I  think  I 
shall  speak  to  him. 

Lindsay. 
No,  don't  do  that. 

Morton 
(to  Knox). 
What   does    Knox   think   about   the   condition 

of  the  country? 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  7l 

Knox. 


Nothing. 


Lindsay 


No,  what  is  the  use,  Morton? 

Morton. 
What  does  Knox  say  about  our  undertaking? 

Knox. 
Neither  anything  about  that. 

Morton. 
Do  you  think  we  serve  God  by  this  ? 

Knox. 
Everything  serves  God. 

Morton. 

If  this  Italian,  David  Rizzio,  got  the  Evan- 
gelical doctrine  entirely  rooted  out  here  in  Scot- 
land, would  that  also  serve  God? 

Knox. 

Everything  which  occurs  is  predestined,  and 
then  it  would  be  predestined  that  another  and 
better  generation  should  receive  the  blessing, 
and  this  one  perish. 


72  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Lindsay. 
Stop  now,  Morton ! 

Morton. 

Then  we  could  cease  doing  anything; — for 
what  is  going  to  occur,  will  occur  anyway? 

Knox. 

Certainly.  It  does  not  put  so  much  as  a  straw 
toward  his  destination,  neither  does  it  take  any 
thing  from  it.  What  you  do,  you  do  only  for 
vour   own   salvation. 

Morton. 

But  if  I  am  from  the  beginning  destined  to 
damnation,  then  it  is  impossible  for  me  to  be 
saved  ? 

Knox. 

He  that  from  the  beginning  knows  that  you 
shall  be  condemned,  knows  also  from  the  begin- 
ning that  you  would  deserve  it. 

Lindsay. 
This  is  blasphemy,  Morton. 

Morton. 
It  must  be  tiresome  for  God  to  look  at  every- 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  73 

thing  which  he  knows  beforehand  even  from  the 
beginning. 

Knox. 

He  certainly  has  his  thoughts  about  it.  as 
I  have  mine  about  your  speech, — although  I 
also  knew  it  beforehand. 

(Silence.     A   knock  on  the  door.) 


SCENE  SECOND. 


Knox. 

Come ! 

(The  door  is  opened,  Ruthven  enters,  armed, 
leaning  on  a  servant.  The  two  rise,  Lindsay 
places  a  chair  for  him,  Morton  supports  him.) 

Morton. 

You  overtax  yourself,  Ruthven.  It  would  be 
better  for  you  to  keep  your  bed. 

Ruthven 

(to  the  servant,  when  he  is  taken  to  seat). 
Go.     Wait  outside! 

Lindsay. 
This  was  not  the  meaning,  Lord  Ruthven,  that 


74  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

you,,  sick  as  you  are,  should  trouble  yourself! 

RUTHVEN. 

But  I  do  not  rely  on  you! 

Morton. 
But  there  are  enough  of  us,  though. 

Lindsay. 
And  everything  ready. 

Ruthven. 

When  the  queen  begins  to  weep,  then  you  will 
let  your  hands  drop.     I  know  you. 

Lindsay. 

God    forbid   that   we   should   not   esteem   the 
welfare  of  this  country  higher  than  her  tears. 

Morton. 

My  Lord  nevertheless  does  not  himself  intend 
to  go  with  us  to  the  palace? 

Ruthven. 
Yes,  if  you  have  to  carry  me  thither ! 

Lindsay. 

But  what  do  you  want  there  as  sick  as  you 
are? 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  75 

RUTHVEN. 

Take  care  that  the  rascal  is  really  killed. — 
Where  is  Lethington? 

Lindsay. 

The  day  we  all  should  sign  he  had  left  the 
city. 

RUTHVEN. 

There  you  see !  There  you  see !  Can  I  rely 
on  such  people? 

Morton. 
Lethington  is  careful. 

Ruthven. 

Is  it  now  time  to  be  careful?  Look  at  me! 
The  danger  is  so  great  that  even  sick  people 
must  rise  to  fight ! 

Morton. 

Each  to  his  task.  Lethington  has  benefited 
our  case,  when  no  one  else  could.  He  has  been 
able  to  do  that,  because  he  never  exposed  him- 
self. 

Lindsay. 
How  sick  you  are,  Ruthven. 


76  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

RUTHVEN. 

Yes,  the  night  is  bad,  the  day  is  worse. — 
Where   is    Knox  ? 

Knox 

{stops  a  moment). 
Ruthven ! 

RuTHVEN. 

Well,  are  you  there ! — I  feel  ill,  Knox. 

Knox. 
I  see  that. 

RUTHVEN. 

Why  don't  vou  come  to  me? 

Knox. 
Because  vou  still  do  not  have  need   for  me. 

Ruthven. 

Yes,  Knox,  you  do  not  know  what  it  is  to  be 
lying  without  sleep,  thinking  of  one's  life.  You 
should  have  come,  Knox. 

Knox. 

No,  it  was  too  soon. 

Ruthven. 
Too  soon  ?     What  do  vou  mean  bv  that,  Knox  ? 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  77 

Knox. 

When  you  have  reached  the  point  that  yotf 
wish  to  die,  Ruthven,  then  I  shall  come. 

Ruthven 

(rises  in  horror,  falls  back  again). 

You   mistake   mv   sickness,   Knox.      It   is   not 

sickness   unto  death,  it  is   rheumatism  with  the 

agonies   of   hell ;    I    can   become   a   cripple,   and 

yet  not  die. — Why  are  you  silent,  Knox? 

Knox. 
Because  answer  is  unnecessary, 

Ruthven. 

If  I  knew  it  were  death,  I  should  not  Wait;  1 
would  finish  it  myself. 

Kxox. 
That  is  the  straight  way  to  hell. 

Ruthven. 

Oh,  Knox,  do  not  say  that! — If  you  would 
mass, — no,  it  is  true,  there  are  no  more  masses, 
Knox,  come  and  sit  down  and  talk  with  me. 

Knox 

(places  himself  before  him). 

What  do  you  want  with  me? 


?§  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

RuTHVEN. 

You  are  too  severe,  Knox, — your  whole  relig^ 
ion  is  too  severe, — we  get  no  help. 

Knox. 
No,  it  must  come  from  yourself. 

RuTttVEN. 

I  know  that,  therefore  I  defy  sickness  and  go 
with  the  others  to  the  palace.  If  we  get  that 
ungodly  woman,  the  plague  of  the  whole  churchy 
removed,  and  kill  her  seducer,  the  servant  of 
Beelzebub,  it  will,  I  suppose,  be  counted  a  little 
in  my  favor  On  that  day, — isn't  it  true,  Knox? 

Knox. 
I  do  not  know  that. 

RutMven. 

Don't  you  know  that,  Knox?  Why,  you  en* 
Courage  it,  we  are  here  in  your  house. 

Knox. 
I  haVe  never  encouraged  it! 

RutHven-. 
But  what  is  your  opinion?     Yott  terrify  me, 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  W 

Lindsay 

(steps  forward). 

Vou  terrify  me  too,  Knox !  I  do  not  know  the 
motive  of  the  others;  but  mine  is  zeal  for  the 
church. 

RuTHVEX. 

Then  tell  lis  your  opinion.  Knox !  We  tremble 
in  fear  of  it, 

kxox". 
Not  my  opinion,  but  the  opinion  of  the  Bible' 
about  ungodly  kings  and  their  dynasty.  Then 
listen;  The  prophet  Achaia  said  to  king  Jero- 
boam: "Thou  hast  had  other  gods  than  mey 
therefore  thy  dynasty  shall  be  destroyed." — 
The  prophet  Elias  said  to  Acnab:  "/  will  de- 
stroy thy  dynasty  just  as  Jeroboam's."  The 
prophet  Elisha  anointed  the  subject  Jehu  as 
king.  "That  he,  should  destroy  Achab's  dynasty." 
But  Jehu  is  as  one  of  you,  not  pure  in  the  eyes 
of  the  Lord,  nevertheless  he  is  as  a  rod  of  pun- 
ishment in  His  hand. — The  sentence  of  God  is 
evident:  but  let  eVel'V  one  who  undertakes  the 
excution  be  careful !  For  the  sentence  of  God 
is  as  a  double-edged  sword  which  wounds  both 
ways.  Woe  unto  him  that  brandishes  it  from 
desire  for  possession  of  the  goods  of  the  church ; 


BO  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

would  that  it  put  him  to  death ! — Woe  unto  him 
that  lifts  it  to  revenge  his  own  family, — would 
that  it  slay  and  destroy  him  as  lightning  from 
the  sky!  Woe  unto  him  that  is  doing  it  from 
revenge  and  hate,  woe,  woe  unto  all  them  that 
are  doing;  it  in  unbelief  and  obduracv ! — Other 
encouragement  I  can  not  give  you. 

(Goes  as  before;  silence  for  a  long  time.) 

RuTHVEN. 

When  one  in  old  time  sought  a  Catholic  priest, 
he  went  aWay  consoled.  When  we  ask  for  bread, 
you  give  stones. — I  think  I  shall  go  home  again,. 

Lindsay. 

No !  These  Words  have  powerfully  strength- 
ened my  purpose,  yes,  bound  the  sword  to  my 
hand,  so  to  speak.  Even  if  I  should  perish,  even 
if  my  intention  were  not  so  entirely  pure,  which 
I  suppose  is  possible  for  a  human  being, — 
where  the  sentence  of  the  Lord  is  so  clearly 
pronounced  as  here,  it  is  one's  duty  to  under- 
take it. 

RutHvEN. 

Then  1  have  not  correctly  Understood  his 
Words. 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  81 

Morton. 

Thev  also  seem  to  me  to  strike  both  sides : 
but  I  do  here  as  I  always  do,  when  words  seem 
'incomprehensible  to  me,  keep  to  the  act.  Why, 
Knox  himself  is  one  of  the  party. 

RuTHVEN. 

No,  Knox  will  not  be  with  us. 

Morton. 

Not  with  sword  in  hand ;  he  is  a  man  of  peace. 
But  he  is,  nevertheless,  with  us  in  the  plan. 

(A  knock.) 

All, 
That  is  Murray] 


SCENE   THIRD. 


Murray,  covered  in  a  cape,  which  he  immediate- 
ly throws  off). 

Morton. 
Yes,  it  Is  Murray ! 

Lindsay. 
Now  there  are  a  thousand  more  men  in  Scot- 
land !     Now  I  begin  to  feel  easy  !     Welcome ! 


82  .  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

(He  hastens  toward  him  and  embraces  him, 
Morton  likewise.} 

Murray 
(to  Ruthven). 

Good  evening  my  friends!  You  are  sick, 
Ruthven,, 

RuTHVEN. 

Yes,  so  sick  that  I  do  not  even  recover  by 
seeing  you!  Welcome  to  Scotland!  (They  em- 
brace one  another.')  But  everything  is  not  all 
right  here. 

Morton. 

It  shall  be  better !  (He  sees  Knox,  goes 
toward  him.)  Your  blessing !  (He  bends  Jcnee 
before  him.) 

Knox 

(with  his  hand  on  his  head). 

God  give  you  a  simple  belief  and  a  strong  will. 
God  forgive  you  your  offences. 

(The  curtain  falls.     Change  of  scene.) 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  83 

Mary  Stuart's  cabinet  de  repos. 
SCENE  FOURTH. 


As  the  curtain  goes  up,  laughter  and  the  close 
of  a  Spanish  song  to  playing  on  the  harp  is' 
heard  from  one  side.  From  the  other  a  covered 
supper-table  is  rolled  in  at  the  same  time. 
Pages  come  and  place  themselves  in  order  after 
some  jesting.  From  the  first  side  come  the 
Queen,  led  by  Stuart,  the  Duchess  of  Argyle, 
led   by   Captain   Erskine,   and   Rizzio    alone. 

Queen. 

With   this    song   must   come   the   most   costly 

wine.      (All   sit   down;  as  they   are   seated   the 

queen   says    to    the   pages.)       Is    this    the     new 

Cyprus- wine  which  the  king  of  Spain  has  sent? 

A  page. 
Yes,  your  grace ! 

Queen. 

The  world's  most  famous  wine! 

Stuart. 
How  I  am  longing  for  the  first  glass ' 

Duchess. 
Yes,    more    than    the    sultan,    who    sacrificed 
18.000  warriors  to  get  hold  of  it. 


84  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Stuart. 
Good  wine  is  as  a  feast-shot  expected  for  a 
long  time.     Good  humor  becomes  prevalent  and 
hilarity  is   spread. 

Duchess. 
Good  wine  is  as  a  witty  saying,  it  burns  and 
makes  free. 

Queen. 
Good  wine  is  as  the  sun  after  a  rain,  a  message 
from  the  eternal  spring  of  joy. 

Duchess. 

Good  wine  arches  the  rain-bow  over  the  land- 
scape of  our  thoughts  with  beauty  and  promises. 

Stuart. 
Good  wine  is  as  music,  says  Ronsard ;  it  purls 
melodiously  through  our  being. 

Queen". 

Good   wine,    I    say,   is    as   a   sweet   secret,   it 
whispers  and  laughs  in  our  inner  self. 

Duchess. 

Good     wine     is     as     praise,     it    doubles     our 
strength. 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  85 

Stuart. 
Or  as  flattery,  which  deceives. 

Queen 
(lifts  her  glass). 
The  first  glass  lifts  us  up  on  our  steed  for  a 
merry  ride. 

Duchess 

(lifts  her  glass). 
The  other  forms  charming  landscapes  around 

us. 

Stuart 
(lifts  his  glass). 

The  third  throws  us  off. 

Queen. 

But    if    we,    after    this    eulogy,    let    the    first 
glass  stand? 

(Places  it  on   the   table,  all  do  the  same.) 

Duchess 

(laughing). 
That  would  be  a  greater  abstinence  than  Eve 
was  capable  of. 

Rizzio. 

It  is,  nevertheless,  too  small  to  be  called  ab- 
stinence. 


86  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Duchess. 

It  is  often  more  difficult,  Rizzio,  to  show 
abstinence  in  the  smaller  than  in  the  greater 
things. 

Queen. 
Perhaps    Rizzio    knows    about    abstinence, — 
please  give  us  a  definition ! 

Rizzio. 
Your  grace ! 

Stuart. 
But  quickly! 

Duchess. 

But  he  must  not  search  for  it  so  far  away  as 
the  wine  comes  from. 

Queen. 
What  is  abstinence,  Rizzio? 

Rizzio. 

H'm, — to  give  that  which  one  has  most  desire 
for. 

(All  laugh.) 

Stuart. 
Where  did  you  attend  school,  Monsieur? 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  87 

Queen. 
In  Turin,  the  definition  is  from  Piedmont. 

Rjzzio 

(points  to  the  wine). 
I  was  just  thinking  of  that  standing  before  us. 

Duchess. 
Or  of  that  sitting  near  you. 

Rizzio. 
If  I  should  decide  myself,  I  feel  it  the  most 
difficult  abstinence  to  abstain  from  letting  others 
be  sufferers  from  one's  own  adversity. 

Stuart. 
Monsieur  means  to  abstain  from  revenge. 

Rizzio. 
No.     I  have  seldom  felt  temptation  to  strike 
back,  but  often  to  let  the  blow  go  further. 

Stuart. 
No,  back! 

The   Others. 
Yes,  back ! 

Queen. 
The  revenge  is  as  sweet  wine, — this   be  our 
last   simile. — Your  health  ! 

(They  all  take  their  glasses.) 


88  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Queen 
(drinking). 
But  Rizzio  must  practice  abstinence!    (They 
drink.)     The  best  wine  I  ever  drank! 

Stuart. 
Charmant ! 

Duchess, 
Magnifique! 

Queen. 
Rizzio  did  really  not  drink.     Ha,  ha,  ha ! — 
My  friend,  it  was  not  my  meaning  though. 

Duchess. 
The  toast  of  abstinence  is  best  drunk  in  that 
manner. 

Queen. 

Was  it  the  toast  of  abstinence  we  drank  ?    Was 
it  not  that  of  revenge? 

Stuart. 
Yes,  sweet  revenge ! 

Rizzio. 
Revenge    can    be    gratifying    to    us,    but    not 
sweet 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  89 

All  the  Others. 
Yes,  yes ! 

(     i'EEX, 

The  sweetness  of  revenge  is  as, — yes,  let  me 
find  a  living  picture, as  Bothwell !  Both- 
well  is  as  revenge,  the  revenge  is  Bothwell ! 

The  Others. 

But  Bothwell  is  neither  sweet  nor  handsome. 

Queen. 
Bothwell ! — There    exists    a    beauty    which    I 
will  call  horrible,  and  Bothwell  possesses  that. 

Duchess. 
It  is  consequently  that  with  one  eye. 

Queen. 

Well  yes.  that  he  only  has  one  eye.  belongs  to 
it.  In  the  marked  face,  lies  a  dim  writing  whose 
riddle  captivates.  The  hundred  rumors  which 
follow  him  as  a  fleet  where  he  sails  forth,  gather 
spectators.  His  quick,  vehement  behavior  fright- 
ens them  away  again,  the  daring  in  all  his  judg- 
ments astounds,  and  then  this  that  his  cold- 
ness possesses  warmth,  his  warmth  coldness  .  .  . 
yes,  it  is  only  contrasts ;  but  Bothwell  is  such, 
and  su^h  is  also  that  kind  of  beautv. 


90  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

SCENE   FIFTH. 


(Henry  Darnley,  somewhat  tipsy). 

All 
(except   the   queen). 
The  king ! 

(They  rise,  only  the  queen  remains  sitting.) 

Darnley. 

Please  keep  your  seats,  keep  your  seats,  pretty 
alliance  of  joy!  I  am  only  coming  for  a  visit  to 
my  own  wife,  I  will  only  embrace  you,  you  won- 
derful  seducing — 

(He  embraces  and  kisses  her.) 

Queen. 
My  Lord! 

Darnley 

(taking  a  chair  and  sitting  down,   back  of  the 

queen). 
Are  not  my  kisses  according  to  your  grace's 
taste!  Are  you  thinking  of  that  Judas  gave? 
(Leaning  familiarly  on  her  chair.)  I  am  think- 
ing of  all  them  which  you  gave  me  in  sweet  de- 
ceit. Oh,  I  am  so  glad,  so  glad ;  for  in  the  future 
you  shall  never  more  kiss  any  other  than  me, 
you  Scotland's  wild  swan ! 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  91 

Queen 
(rises). 
Thank  you  for  this  evening,  ladies  and  gentle- 
men: I  am  not  feeling  quite  well.     Excuse  me, 
my  LoH ! 

(Tries  to  pass  by  him.) 

Darnley. 

Oh  no,  no,  you  can't  pass  by,  you  dearest;  no, 
now  first  vou  shall  always  stav  with  me.  Here 
more  merry  people  are  coming,  look  at  him  there, 
how  gay  he  is ! 


SCENE    SIXTH. 


(Ruthven  stands  in  the  door  pale,  leaning  on 
his  drawn  sword,  behind  him  more  armed  people, 
who  force  their  way  in  with  him.) 

(The   former   gather   around    the    queen.) 

Queen. 

What  is  this?      Why  armed  men? 
(No   answer.) 

Queen 
(goes  forward). 

Lord  Ruthven !     Who  has  given  you  permis- 


92  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

sicn  to  force  your  way  into  the  queen's  room  un- 
announced ? 

RUTHVEN. 

We  come  because  that  David  Rizzio  is  here — 
and  has  been  here  too  long. 

Queen. 
Impudence ! 

Ruthven. 

If  your  grace  will  not  remove  him,  then  the 
nobility  of  Scotland  must  do  so;  for  they  shall 
maintain  the  dignity  of  the  throne. 

Stuart  and  Arthur  Erskine 
(dratc  their  swords  and  hurry  forth). 

Queen. 
The  guards  up  here,  arrest  them  all ! 

Ruthven. 

Quiet,  Arthur  Erskine,  quiet,  Stuart.  The 
guard  is  arrested ;  Morton  and  Lindsay  keep  the 
castle  occupied. 

Queen,  Erskine,  Stuart,  Duchess. 
High  treason ! 

Stuart. 
No  brave  knight  will  see  his  queen  offended; 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  M 

Arthur  Erskine,  we  can't  protect  her,  but  we  can 
fall,  nevertheless  !j — Sapristi ! 

(Thrusts  a  man  down,  so  he  falls  and  is  car^ 
tied  away  J  goes  forth  toward  the  crowd,  Er shine 
follows;  short  melee,  in  which  they  are  sur-* 
rounded  and  forced  out.) 

Stuart. 

The  damned  French  parade  rapier !  If  I  only 
had  a  Scotch  weapon!  Oh,  Madam,  God  pro- 
tect you ! — 

The  Duchess  of  Argyll 
(forward  to  the  queen). 
1  will  seek  James  Mel  will,  the  citizens  shall 
come!     The  alarm-bells  shall  ring! 

Queen. 
Would   that   God   in   heaven   also   let   His   be 
heard. 

Duchess 
(as  she  is  hindered  from  getting  out). 
Am  I  David  Rizzio?     Has  that  fellow  eyes  in 
his  head? 

Ruth  vex. 

Let  her    pass,   she   can't  do   anything.      (She1 
arts  out.?)     Nov/  to  our  work. 


94  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Queen. 

Holy  Vil'gin !  What  country  have  you  sent 
me  to ! 

Ruthven 
(to  the  warriors  who  are  coming  in  again). 
Seize  David  Rizzio ! 

Rizzio 

(who  has  been  standing  farthest  forward  in 
One  of  the  corners  entirely  quiet,  goes  now  im- 
petuously over  to  the  queen  and  throws  himself 
On   his  knees). 

Justice,  your  grace,  they  will  murder  me ! 
(He  keeps  himself  behind  the  queen.) 

Queen. 
This  is  high  treason.     None  dare  come  hither ! 

Ruthven. 
Seize  David  Rizzio! 

Queen. 
But  why,  what  has  he  done? 

Ruthven. 

He  has  offended  your  Majesty's  honor,  and 
with  that  the  King's,  your  consort's,  and  the 
nobility  and  the  people  over  whom  you  rule! — - 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  M 

Queen. 

By  the  eternal  truth,  that  is  an  impudent 
slander  for  which  you  shall  suffer! 

RUTHVEN. 

H'm! — we  certainly  shall  take  care  that  your 
grace  never  more  shall  have  power  in  this 
countrv. — Forward,  seize  him  ! 

Rizzio 

(behind   her   on   his   knees). 

Oh,  I  told  you  there  was  danger,  but  you 
would  not  listen  to  me.  You  have  been  unjust 
toward  me, — now  you  must  protect  me ! 

Queen. 

If  you  have  a  charge  against  him,  I  shall 
bring  it  before  the  parliament  of  lords.  T  tell 
you:  Obev  the  law,  do  not  overrule  the  order  of 
this  country,  as  you  force  your  way  into  and 
overturn  everything  in  the  apartments  of  your 
queen !     Truly  there  will  come  a  day  after  this  I 

Ruthven. 

Yes,  on  the  day  of  judgment  everything  will 
be  judged!  In  the  name  of  the  church  and  the 
law,  forward  against  this  idolater  and  seducer ! 

(The  warriors  go  over  to  the  other  side.) 


86  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Rizzio. 
Justice  !     I  have  served  you  with  fidelity ! 

Queen. 

But  is  there  among  you  riot  a  single  one  who 
Will  obey  his  queen?  Call  Bothwell,  call  Hunt- 
ley, there  are  nevertheless  men  in  the  castle  of 
Holyrood ! 

RuTHVEN, 

Their  rooms  are  locked ! 

Queen] 
(strongly). 
But  am  I  not  the  Lord's  anointed.  And  voil 
will  let  me  stand  helpless  and  alone! — Think  of 
what  you  are  doing;  you  murder  the  laws,  you 
rebel  against  the  royalty  appointed  by  God,  you 
soil  the  sacred  purple,  you  tear  asunder  the 
Holy  Writ ! — Back,  insane  ! 

(They  yield.) 

Ruthven. 

It  is  as  I  said:  This  Woman  Would  soon 
Conquer  you. 

(Steps  forward  himself  to  seize  Rizzio,  who 
throws    himself   on   his   knees   and   clutches   het 

dress.) 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  97 

R]zzio. 
Help !     Help ! 

Queen; 
(supplicatingly) . 
Oh,  you  violate  still  more,  you  violate  the  right 
K>i  the  woman  from  eternity.  The  greatest  sin 
which  men  can  commit  is  to  let  a  woman  feel 
ner  feebleness.  Regard  and  lenience  shall  keep 
guard  around  her,  pity  be  her  intercessor,  and 
her  feebleness  a  bar  against  the  rough  violence 
of  passion!  If  you  tear  that  down,  oh,  then 
there  is  no  limit  any  longer,  all  will  intermingle 
as  animals. — Do  not  begin  with  your  own  queen, 
where  will  it  then  end ! — 

Several. 
Ruthven,  let  that  be  enough ! 

RuTHVEN. 

Now  she  is  meek,  but  tomorrow  she  will  bring 
Us  to  the  scaffold. 


SCENE  SEVENTH. 


[Lindsay    enters.) 
Lindsay. 
If   there   is   no   one   who    fears    God    and   the 


98  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

country's  honor  more  than  this   woman,  then  I 

do! 

(Forward    toward    Rizzio.) 

Queen 
(in  his   way). 
Over  my  corpse  then  shall  you  come  to  him! 

Lindsay. 

Is  not  necessary ! 

(Will  seize  her.) 

Queen] 
(back). 

Who  dares  lay  hand  on  his  queen? 

Lindsay 

(yields). 

She  did  not  say  that  of  her  own  accord ! 
(The  others  also  yield.) 

Andrew   Kerr 
(forces   his   way   forward   and   cocks   a  pistol). 
If   no   one   dare   touch   her,   then   we    should 
rather  shoot  her  down  ! 

(He    takes    aim.) 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  ^ 

Queen 
{forward). 
Yes,   do   that !      But  know   that   I   carry   two 
lives,  and  both  Scotland's  first ! 

{He  lowers  the  pistol.) 

Ruth  vex. 

Then  the  king,  her  consort,  must  seize  her, 
nobody  can  forbid  him  that ! 

Queen 
{to  Darnley  who  is  standing  at  the  table). 

His  first  duty  as  husband  forbids  that;  for 
that  is  to  protect  me !  His  second  as  King  for- 
bids it ;  for  that  is  to  chase  vou  awav  !  Henrv 
Darnlev.  order  these  men  to  withdraw.  Mv 
God !  here  at  last  is  an  occasion  to  shaw  that  vou 
are  a  man ! 

Darnley. 

Now  I  will  show  it — by  resisting  all  your 
begging  for  Rizzio! — 

Queen. 

Oh,  they  have  made  use  of  your  horrible  sim- 
plicity. Don't  you  then  remember  that  it  is 
Rizzio  who  helped  you  up  to  the  throne! — God 
forgive  him  that,  now  we  suffer  both  therefor  ! 


100  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Darnley. 
I  remember  more  than  that. 

Queen. 

It  is  slander,  by  all  that  you  consider  sacred, 
it  is  a  lie!  (Toward  him.)  Oh,  Darnley,  you 
have  lost  my  love,  be  now  a  man,  and  you  will 
get  it  back ! 

(The  conspirators  make  use  of  Rizzio's  stand- 
ing unprotected ;  now  they  throw  themselves 
over  him;  he  himself  was  standing  listening  to 
the  words  of  his  queen.) 

Rizzio. 
Help,  help ! 

Queen. 

Oh,  Jesus,  Mary,  I  forgot  him!  (Rushes  after 
him,  but  Darnley  places  himself  in  her  way.) 
How  dare  you  bar  my  way? 

Darnley. 

For  the  sake  of  vour  safetv ;  for  vour  life  is 
here  in  danger. 

Queen. 

What  is  mv  life,  when  thev  have  broken  down 
my  dignity  as  queen  and  woman? 

(She   goes  forward,   he   hinders   her.) 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  ^ 

Darnley. 
Thev  shall  not  hurt  him ! 

Rizzio 
(has  the  whole  time  been  crying  for  help,  assur- 
ing   of    his    innocence;    now    he    shouts    to    the 
queen). 

Oh,   on   account   of   my   faithfulness    I    suffer 

this  !     Save  me ! 

Queen. 

I  can't! 

(The  others  out  with  Rizzio.) 


SCENE  EIGHTH. 


Queen. 
Oh.    why   did    I   come   to   this    country !      No 
friends,  not  a  protector,  all  traitors  against  me, 
and  I  am  only  a  woman ! 

(She  bursts  out  crying  and  swoons.  Darnley 
takes  her  to  a  seat.  There  comes  somebody  and 
takes  his  dagger  off  his  girdle  and  runs  out 
again.) 

Darnley 
(looking   after   him). 
That  is  right,  that  is  right !     With  my  dagger 


102  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

he  must  be  killed !  (He  looks  at  the  queen,  who 
is  lying  in  a  swoon.)  There  is  nevertheless  that 
which  conquers  her!  .  .  .  (Leans  over  her.) 
Mary,  listen  to  me! — (She  makes  an  averting 
motion  with  her  hand,  as  if  he  is  disgusting  to 
her.)  Mary,  understand  it; — not  you,  but  him! 
— You  are  to  me  always  dear  just  the  same! 
(The  queen  again  makes  the  same  motion  and 
looks  up.)  Think  over,  Mary,  how  badly  you 
have  treated  me ! — Such  a  thing  was  necessary, 
- — Mary — do  you  now  understand, — how  I  love 
vou ! — 


SCENE  NINTH. 


(Ruthven  enters  again.) 

Ruthven 
(throws   himself  dozen   on   a  chair.) 
Wine,  I  tremble ! 

(Darnley  runs  up  and  gives  him  a  glass,  which 
he  empties  in  one  swallow.) 

Queen 

(tvho  is   looking   up). 

Rizzio's  glass !      It  was  poured  for  revenge ! 

Ruthven. 
That  does  not  matter;  now  he  is  killed! 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  103 

Queen 

(rushes  up). 

Oh,  that  blood  shall  be  dear  to  many  of  vou ! 

RuTHVEN. 

Just  so !  The  worse  your  pain  rages,  the 
stronger  support  you  give  to  suspicion ! 

Queen 
(stops  and  considers). 

I  understand  your  meaning !  But,  if  it  were 
the  simplest  of  my  servants,  I  would  rather  lay 
down  my  life  than  see  him  killed  in  my  pro- 
tecting presence.  Because  I  have  suffered  this 
humiliation,  because  you  have  wrung  from  me 
this  pride,  therefore  I  now  weep, — although 
without  tears ! 

Ruthven. 

It  had  to  come  to  this !  When  the  ruler  does 
not  follow  the  law,  the  law  comes  to  the  ruler ! 
You  have  been  this  country's  whip,  now  it  is 
swung  in  your  own  palace. 

Queen. 

Oh,  that  anybody  dare  say  this  to  me! 
(She   covers   her  face.) 


106  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

healthy — soon  you   will  meet   Rizzio   before  the 
eternal  Judge ! 

RUTHVEN. 

Take  me  away  !     Call  my  servants  ! 

Lindsay. 

Lord    Ruthven    is    sick,    Ruthven's    servants ! 
(They  come,  he  is  led  away.) 


SCENE  ELEVENTH. 


Queen 

(goes  up  and  down  vehemently,  stops  now  and 

then). 

Darnley 

(stands  quietly  viewing  her). 

No,  she  is  strong  still.  She  is  flapping  her 
wings  as  an  eagle  whose  talons  are  bound.  How 
pretty  she  is !  But  I  do  not  give  up :  she  shall 
tremble  from  rage,  but  later  from  fear ! — Mary  ! 

Queen 

(stops). 

Do  not  call  me  by  that  name !  You  must 
understand  that  I  can't  be  your  wife  any  longer. 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  107 

Darnley. 

You  were  not  before,  that  is  true.  But  now 
you  shall  become  it !  The  Catholic  church  does 
not  know  divorce;  you  are  mine  till  death,  from 
to-day  only  mine ! 

Queen. 

God  in  heaven,  why,  you  can't  wish  to  have 
my  life  bound  to  this  person! — Oh,  what  a 
future ! 

(She  covers  her  face.) 

Darnley. 

Do  you  see,  there  is  no  other  way.  I  am  now 
your  master  !  Speak  a  word  of  submission !  You 
do  not  leave  this  castle,  before  it  is  spoken, — 
no,  not  if  it  should  last  for  years  ! 

Queen. 

I  speak  a  word  of  submission  ? 

Darnley. 
Yes. 

Queen. 

Traitor!     Son  of  a  traitor!      I  shall  never  be 
satisfied  until  your  soul  is  pierced  by  the  same 
anguish  that  mine  is  at  this  moment ! 
(She  passes  through  the  door  from  whence  she 

came.) 


108  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

SCENE  TWELFTH. 


Darnley 

{alone). 
This  fight  will  be  both  harder  and  longer 
than  I  expected. — Has  the  smart  Lethington 
deceived  himself !  Or  deceived  me !  It  is  not 
fear  that  conquers  her.  Could  I  have  been  mis- 
taken ?  Should  I  have  lost  her  to-day  for 
ever?  No,  there  must  be  something  that  paves 
the  way.  Love,  the  most  humble,,  devoted  and 
imploring  doesn't  do  it,— then  it  must  be  this ! 
Yes,  it  must  be  fear ;  let  us  wait,  let  us  only 
wait ! — The  horse  rears  and  kicks  until  it  is 
wet  with  foam,  but  then  it  yields,  let  us  only  hold 
on! — I  will  see  Rizzio  !  I  will  see,  if  the  pain 
of  death  is  delineated  in  his  features ! 

{He  goes.) 


SCENE    THIRTEENTH. 


Morton. 

Who  the  devil  has   saddled  us   with  the  citi- 
zens ? 

Lindsay. 
What  shall  we  do  with  them? 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  100 

Morton. 
Shoot  them  down ! 

Lindsay. 

No,  no  shots;  for  that  is  to  awaken  the  whole 
of  Scotland  !  We  must  speak  to  them.  We  must 
assure  them  that  what  is  done  is  done  in  be- 
half of  the  Reformed  church. 

Morton. 
Oh,  nobody  will  believe  that  talk. 

Lindsay. 

When  I  tell  you,  Earl  of  Morton,  that  that 
was  my  reason,  then  I  wish  to  learn  if  you  still 
call  it  talk? 

Morton. 

Have  what  reason  vou  wish,  but  do  not  trv 
the  citizens.  For  they  have  a  kind  of  enthu- 
siasm for  their  young  queen.  If  she  but  speaks 
to  them,  they  will  storm  the  castle! 

Lindsay. 

Then  we  shall  also  speak  to  them  in  the  name 
of  religion. 

Morton. 

Yes,  try  which  is  the  stronger.  Either  vour 
religion  or  a  pretty  woman  who  weeps ! 


HO  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Lindsay. 
Then  she  must  not  speak  to  them. 

Morton. 

Her  windows  face  toward  them.  Who  can 
forbid  it? 

Lindsay. 

She  must  not ! 

Morton. 
Well, — then  I  know  of  only  one  means!—- 

Lindsay. 
No  shooting,  no  shooting ! 

Morton. 
X-M;  at  the  citizens,  but — 

Lindsay. 
/Vhat  do  you  mean? 

Morton. 

Do  you  feel,  that  if  she  speaks^  this  castle 
will  burn  and  our  goods  and  our  lives  be  a  heap 
of  flames  ? 

Lindsay. 
I  feel  there  is  danger. 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  HI 

Morton. 
Have  I  the  command  here? 

Lindsay. 
I  think  we  both  have  it. 

Morton. 
I    think  that  two  can't  have  it. 

Lindsay. 
Then  I  am  the  older  one. 

Morton. 

Then  draw  your  sword,  Lindsay;  for  I  wish 
■  o  become  the  older  one! 

Lindsay. 
Are    you    getting    crazy? 

Morton 

(quietly). 
So,   but    I    am   dropping   this    partnership. — 
Draw  vour  sword,  Lord  Lindsav ! 

Lindsay. 
Lord  Lindsay  lets  not  himself  be  frightened! 

Morton. 

And    a    Douglas   lets    not   himself   be    forced 
aside ! 


H2  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Lindsay. 
Who  is  forcing  you  aside  ? 

Morton. 

Death  and  hell,  you  all  do  it!  Was  it  not  I 
that  set  it  on  foot,  but  Lethington  who  took  the 
honor?  Was  it  not  I  who  brought  the  men 
together,  but  Ruthven  who  took  the  command? 
Now  it  is  my  turn;  I  wish  to  do  what  none  of 
you  dare — end  this  trouble  by  a  stroke  !- — Draw 
your  sword,  you  are  in  my  way ! 

Lindsay. 

He  is  crazy. 

{They  draw  swords.) 


SCENE   FOURTEENTH. 


(Armed  people  come.) 

One 

(quickly) . 
There  is  danger,  there  is  danger !     The  citi- 
zens demand  to  see  the  queen,  they  storm  the 
castle ! 

Morton. 
Burst  the  queen's  door  open,  place  guards  at 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  113 

her    windows.      If    she    approaches,    shoot    her 
down. 

Lindsay. 

But  Patrick  Lindsay  will  shoot  him  who  dares 
do  that ! 

Morton. 

Then  it  shall  be  I ! — Follow  me,  soldiers ! 
(Out,  some  of  them  follow  him.) 

Lindsay. 

I  call  upon  you  and  heaven  to  bear  me  wit- 
ness, that  I  never  have  known  this  man. 

(Out,   some    of   them    offer   him.) 

(There  is  quiet  a  while  among  them  that  still 
remain.  They  listen;  from  below  is  shouted'. 
''The  Earl  of  Murray  forever!"  Immediately 
afterwards  is  shouted  nearer:  "The  regent  of 
the  country  forever!"  The  shout  reaches  the 
scene,  and  the  Earl  of  Murray,  accompanied 
by  two  noblemen  and  a  crowd  of  neople,  ap- 
pears.) 


SCENE    FIFTEENTH. 


Murray. 
"Where  is  the  queen?     The  people  demand  to 


114  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

see  the  queen! — You  do  not  answer! — Is  she  in 
danger  ? 

Queen 
(in  disorder — night  robe). 

Help,  help,  Scotland's  men,  drawn  swords 
are  put  upon  my  breast!  (She  sees  an  un- 
sheathed sword  and  utters  a  shriek.)  Hide, 
hide!  I  can't  stand  to  see  it!  (She  weeps,) 
Scotlana  b  men,  protect  your  queeii!  (On  her 
knees.)  Or  be  merciful  and  kill  me,  but  with- 
out my  seeing  it!  There,  there  again.  (She 
leaps  up,  looks  around  disturbed.) 

Oh,  why  did  I  come  to  this  country?  I  do  not 
understand  you,  I  am  afraid  of  you;  let  me  go 
home  again ! — Oh,  when  I  saw  Scotland's  shores 
in  fog  and  cold  I  was  standing  freezing  on  the 
wet  deck,  then  I  felt  something  tingle  as  fire 
through  my  breast,  and  now  I  feel  it  again.  Oh, 
let  me  go  home  to  France  again !  Oh,  how 
awful  it  is  here !  I  rode  into  your  dark,  heavy 
city,  you  came  in  long  processions  with  biblical 
drawings  above  your  heads,  drawings  of  only 
murder  and  fire ;  you  were  sawing  away  on  in- 
struments without  sound,  you  sang  dreary 
psalms, — oh,  let  me  go  home  to  France!  There 
is    sun    again    in    France,    there    is    pity    for    a 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  H5 

woman,  there  is  quiet  regard  and  respect  for 
the  laws,  and  there  is  kindness  toward  him  that 
Is  deserted,  and  there  is  my  family  and  there 
wTere  the  days  of  my  childhood;  oh,  let  me  go 
home  again  to  France!  (On  her  knees,)  (Mor- 
ton and  followers  come;  then  she  rises  fright- 
ened and  flees.)  There  they  are!  Now  they 
want  to  kill  me! 

Murray 

(foiward). 

Hide  your  sword,  Earl  of  Morton!  (He 
does  it  immediately,  but  men  behind  him  do 
not.)  Earl  of  Morton,  arrest  the  men  behind 
you,  who  have  not  hidden  their  weapons  !  (Mor- 
ton does  it,  they  are  immediately  surrounded 
and  brought  out. — To  Lindsay,  who  has  also 
rome.)  Lord  Lindsay  assumes  guard  of  the 
castle !  No  armed  man  dares  enter  the  queen's 
rooms  under  punishment  of  death  ! — March! 

(The  stage  cleared.) 


SCENE  SIXTEENTH. 


Queen 
(who  with  astonishment  becomes  aware  of  Mur- 
ray and  has  listened  to  him). 


116  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

James  !  (In  his  arms.)  Oh,  if  you  had  been 
here,  all  this  would  not  have  happened ! 

Murray. 

If  I  had  been  here,  Henry  Darnley  would  not 
be  your  consort,  and  Scotland's  lords  not  your 
enemies  I 

Queen. 
Oh,  James,  would  that  I  had  followed  your 
advice  I 

Murray. 
There  is  still  time  for  that ! 

Queen. 

No,  now  I  must  depart ! — I  will  not  stay  here 
any  longer,  and  I  am  sick — oh,  so  sick ! 

Murray. 

Your  grace  needs  rest. — I  shall  assume  the 
government. 

Queen. 

Then  you  must  revenge  me,  James ! 

Murray. 

Do  not  think  of  revenge,  only  think  of  your 
soon  becoming  a  mother;  see  that  you  rest  your- 
self ! 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  H7 

Queen. 

Yes.  rest  vou  sav  ...  as  humbled  as  I  am,  I 
can't  enjoy  it.' 

Murray. 

Go  to  family  and  friends,  put  aside  all  sor- 
rowful thoughts ; — I  shall  take  care  that  you 
get  restitution ! 

Queen. 

Oh,  this  load  of  shame;  this  pressure  upon 
my  heart  of  the  tears  which  I  can  not  weep, 
that  I  can  not  lay  aside! — No,  something  must 
first  be  done ! 

(A  horseman  in  the  door.  She  sees  him.  The 
horseman  on  his  knees,  reaches  forth  a  letter 
with  a  respectful  greeting,  she  takes  it;  he  goes). 

Queen 

(reads). 

"Within  three  days  three  thousand  men. — 
Bothwell !"  .  .  .  (She  does  not  apprehend  it, 
she  reads  it  over  again.)  "Within  three  days 
three  thousand  men.-— Bothwell !" 


118  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

SCENE      SEVENTEENTH. 


Queen, 

(turns  around,  sees  Darnley  in  the  door,  runs 

up  toward  him  and  brings  him  forth). 

Will  you  save  me  ? 

Darnley 

(horrified,  lets  her  go). 

Queen 
(holding  up  the  letter). 

Bothwell  will  in  three  days  have  three  thou- 
sand men,— flight  and  disgrace  is  awaiting  all 
the  rebels  ! — On  what  side  do  you  want  to  be  ? 

Darnley. 
Has   Bothwell   escaped ! 

Murray 

(aside). 

Jesus!     Has  he  escaped  ! 

Queen 

(to  Darnley). 

Now  you  can  keep  me  arrested  and  take  me 

with  you  on  your  flight ;  but  never  shall  any  one 

obtain  anything  else  than  Scotland's  wrath  and 

the  imprecation  of  the  whole  world  through  it ! 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  119 

— And  you,  Henry,  you  shall  not  have  so  much 
love  as  the  iron  bar  before  my  window! 

Darnley 

(horrified) . 
Who  has  let  Bothwell  escape! 

Queen. 

Yes,  now  comes  the  repentence,  Henry!  But 
if  you  will  let  the  guards  go,  if  you  will  se- 
cretly, quickly  take  me  to  Bothwell's  camp,  then 
I  think  that  even  during  the  flight  this  night 
shall  be  able  to  see  the  dawn  of  the  morning  of 
forgiveness ! 


Darnley. 


Oh,  Mary! 


Queen. 

As  true  as  the  sky  above  you  is  filled  with 
flashings  of  lightning  of  revenge,  you  shall  hear 
it  crash  awfully  around  you  a  night,  when  you 
are  hurled  down  into  the  hell  of  the  anguish  of 
your  conscience, — or  you  take  me  in  your  arms 
and  ride  silentlv  awav  from  here, — over  to  Dun- 
bar's  well  fortified  castle. — Now  vou  must  hurrv 
and  choose,  Henry ! 


> 


120  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Darnley. 
Oh,  Mary!  .  .  .  The  men,  who  are  my  allies, 
I  have  sworn  not  to  sacrifice! 

Queen. 

One  should  not  betray  traitors? — But  me, 
whom  you  love,  me  you  can  betray ! — Listen  to 
me  now;  your  cause  is  lost,  if  you  prefer  to  be 
convicted  with  them  for  high  treason,  well,  that 
is  a  quick  way  to  become  a  widow ! 

Darnley. 

Oh,  Mary,  for  your  sake  I  gave  up  my  father- 
land, for  your  sake  my  religion,  for  your  sake 
I  have  become  a  murderer;  shall  also  this  insane 
love  cause  me  to  become  a  traitor? — No,  I 
will  not ! 

Queen. 

I  feci  there  are  others  who  shall  lose  their 
soul  this  night, — but  let  us  first  come  out  of  it! 
— Henry,  flee  with  me,  and  only  the  coming 
spring  under  the  old  trees  at  Dunbar  castle 
knows  what  you  can  gain !  (He  is  becoming 
enlivened.) — But  I  can't  promise  you  anything, 
— not  any  thing! — I  do  not  want  to  deceive  you: 
— a  great  pain  troubles  me.  which  you  must  first 
be  able  to  relieve ! 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  121 

Darnley 

(softly). 

Murray, — is  our  cause  lost? 

Murray 

(softly). 

As  far  as  the  whole  was  calculated  as  a  sur- 
prise, it  certainly  is  lost. 

Queen; 
(to  Murray). 

You — James,  you  returned  home  to  assume 
the  government  in  Darnley's  name; — but  now 
he  does  not  furnish  this  name  any  longer — 

(When  the  queen  pauses  to  let  Darnley  speak, 
but  he  is  silent,  says) 

Murray. 

I  see  that ! 

Queen. 
But  will  you  rule  in  my  name? 

Murray. 
In  your  name  ? — Under  conditions — certainly ! 

Queen. 
Give  Bothwell  and  me  the  conspirators,  and 
I  shall  give  you  the  country  to  rule. 

(Pause.) 


122  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

[Murray. 
The  questions  of  religion? 

Queen. 
May   rest   for   a  while. — When   I   again  take 
them  up,  you  may  go.] 

Murray. 

I  should  like  to  be  of  use  to  my  country. — 
I  shall  take  vour  offer  under  consideration! 

[Queen 
(quickly) . 

But    you    do    not    give   the   conspirators    any 
hint. 

Murray. 
Your  flight  will  certainly  give  it  to  them. 

Queen. 
But  you  do  not  help  them? 

Murray. 
Their  case  is  dropped.] 

Queen. 
You  leave  the  conspirators  to  their  fate? 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  123 

Murray. 

As  they  themselves  left  me  to  mine — to-day 
a  year  ago. 

Queen. 
They     are    convicted ! — Now     Henry     Darn- 

ley !— 

Darnley. 
I  also  am  convicted ! 

Queen. 

Henry,  I  believe  the  crime  you  committed 
toward  me,  you  committed  through  love,  but 
then  the  same  love  must  have  healing  power. 
Henrv,  on  Dunbar  castle  we  two  have  much 
to  talk  about,  alone. — For  three  months  I  must 
have  rest.  Henry,  are  you  not  longing  to  be 
alone  with  me  for  three  months? 

Darnley. 
If  I   am  longing — ? 

Queen. 
We  have  never  been  alone. 

Darnley. 

Not  since  we  were  married. 


124  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Queen. 
That  was  the  devil  in  our  marriage. 

Darnley. 
It  was  that. 

Queen. 
Well,  then — take  me  away  from  here  to  Dun- 
bar's well  fortified  castle! 

Darnley. 

They  that  follow  us  will  soon  take  you  away 
from  me. 

Queen. 
Nobody  shall  follow  us. 

Darnley. 
None  except  I  ? 

Queen. 
None ! 

Darnley. 
Is  it  really  true? 

Queen. 
I  have  said  it. 

Darnley. 
Then  your  words  light  a  thousand  torches  on 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  ' 

both  sides  of  the  waj'  even  till  we  arrive  at  Dun- 
bar! 

Queen. 
Then  you  must  also  protect  me,  Henry! 

Darn  ley. 
As  the   princess   of   a   fairy    tale    behind    an 
enchanted  castle!     None  but  I — and  for  three 
months,  promise  that! 

Queen. 
For  three  months,  and  now  spring  is  coming! 

Darnley. 
Mary,  can  we  be  together  for  three  months — 

Queen. 

We  can  be  together  for  a  whole  lifetime ! — ■ 
But  then  you  would  have  to  become  a  different 
person. — 

Darnley. 

Before  the  word  becomes  a  wish,  before  the 
glance  becomes  a  word,  before  the  thought  be- 
comes a  glance,  I  shall  have  caught  and  per- 
formed it !  Oh,  a  life  of  sacrifice  is  the  noblest 
I  can  think  of !  But  you  did  not  allow  me 
that    before.       Yes.    I    thought    at    last    that    it 


126  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

was   just   the   contrary   you   wished, — therefore 
came  this  night.  .  . 

Queen 
(breaking  him  off). 

.  .  .  which  we  so  quickly  shall  flee  away 
from,  that  not  even  our  speech  must  hang  on  it. 
Darnley !  Murray !  (She  goes  between  them 
and  takes  their  hands  and  leads  them  forward.) 
We  all  three  have  to  forget  and  to  forgive. — 
Now,  James,  my  brother,  now  you  promise  me 
to  he  quiet  and  silent. 

(Murray  nods  his  head  approvingly.) 

And  you,  my  .  .  .  you,  Henry,  dispatch  the 
guards,  you  go  alone  with  me  to  Dunbar's  well 
fortified  castle? 

Dahnley. 
As  you  like ! 

(Darnley  and  Murray  go.) 

Queen. 

I  am  so  tired,  so  nervous  .  .  .  But  neverthe- 
less ;   I  am  now  again  Scotland's  queen,  God's 
grace  my  throne,  and  the  law  my  sword ! — 
(The  curtain  falls.) 


ACT  THIRD 

Knox's  house. 
SCENE  FIRST. 


(John  Knox  is  reading  in  a  big  booh.    A  knock.*) 

Knox. 

Come  in ! 

(William  Taylor  enters.) 

Taylor. 
My   old   teacher  and  benefactor !      Have  vou 
time  to  grant  me  an  interview ! 

Knox. 
Most  willingly. 

Taylor. 
I  have  become  page  to  the  king,  the  unhappy 
Henry   Darnley. — I   am  seeking  help   for  him. 

Knox. 
From  me? 


128  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Taylor. 
From  a  godly  man.     No  one  in  Scotland  can 
be    sick   in   his    soul    without   longing    for   John 
KnoX. 

Knox. 

Is  Henry  Darnley  longing  for  me? 

Taylor. 
Yes;' — things   went  bad   at  Dunbar  castle!  — 
He  is  disappointed  and  deserted  by  all,  also  by 
himself. 

Knox. 

A  single  flickering  sigh  from  a  lacerated  soul 
nobody  can  pay  attention  to. 

Taylor. 

Oh  no,  there  is  more.  He  is  badly  treated  by 
the  queen  and  by  all  those  around  him;  his  by 
nature  peaceful  mind  is  melted  into  despair. 
Now  somebody  must  come  to  help  him,  now  is  the 
time  of  seeding. 

Knox. 
Of  serious  repentance,  of  severe  atonement  he 
Is  not  capable.      He  is  a  reed. 

Taylor. 
His  love  for  the  queen  has  nevertheless  been 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  129 

sincere.      That   might  be    developed    toward    a 
higher  love. 

[Knox. 
Yes.  if  she  did  not  meddle  any  more. 

Taylor. 
There  is  no  danger.     She  detests  him. 

Knox. 
What  has  now  again  happened? 

Taylor. 

She  demanded  of  him,  that  he  publicly  dis- 
avow all  participation  in  the  conspiracy;  for 
otherwise  she  could  not  punish  the  conspirators ; 
this  he  was  weak  enough  to  do.  But  they  took 
revenge  and  proved,  that  he  at  one  time  had  even 
signed  her  abdication  of  the  throne. — This  she 
can't  forget. 

Knox. 

Yes,  see  what  kind  of  a  wretch  he  is.' 

Taylor. 
If   she    demanded    that    he   execrate   his    own 
mother,  he  would  do  it!] 

Knox. 
TTe  has,  consequently,  a  faculty  for  devotion? 


130  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Taylor. 
Wonderful!      But  he  can't  rule  it; — thus  he 
plagued  her  further  with  his  jealousy. 

Knox. 
Whv,  Rizzio  is  now  dead? 

Taylor. 
Then  he  was  jealous  of  the  dead  Rizzio.  He 
did  not  even  allow  the  queen  to  honor  the  mem- 
ory of  Rizzio.  From  this  came  the  worst;  when 
the  queen  was  delivered  of  a  son,  she  was  moved 
as  all  young  mothers  and  demanded  to  see  the 
father;  but  in  an  attack  of  jealousy  he  pretend- 
ed not  to  know  that  it  was  his  son ! — She  never 
will  forgive  him  that! 

Knox. 
He  is  a  mixture  of  a  refractory  child  and  of 
dishonest  weakness. 

Taylor. 

But  this  childishness  was  once  so  filled  with 
love, — by  that  was  also  the  queen  charmed.  If 
she  had  had  a  strong  character,  around  which 
his  soul  could  wind  itself,  he  would  now  be  a 
•nnn.     Thcv  are  both  to  blame. 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  131 

Knox. 

He  is  wavering  over  her  whims  as  children 
waver  over  the  shavings  which  they  throw  in  a 
pond,  and  to  which  they  themselves  make  artifi- 
cial storm.  Listen,  William,  I  will  have  nothing 
to  do  willi  this. — I  have  more  serious  things. 

(Reads,) 

[TayloRv 

Forgive  me,  Sir,  I  have  myself  inspired  him 
with  this  thought;  he  is  longing  now. 

Knox. 

I  forgive  you  on  account  of  your  good  inten- 
tion; but  you  ought  to  have  seen  that  1  have  no 
time  for  that  kind  of  uncertain  longings. 

(Reads.)] 
(Pause.) 

Taylor. 

I  was  myself  as  wretched,  when  I  came  to  von 
the  first  time. 

Knox. 
I   can  transplant  the  green  tree,  but  not  the 
dry. 

Taylor. 
As   long  as   there  is  a   fresh   branch,  there  is 
hope  in  the  spring. 


132  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Knox. 

Then  I  would  first  have  to  see  it.  Go  now,, 
William  !  There  are  not  many  hours  left  of  my 
life;  those  I  have  I  must  use. 

Taylor 

(aside"). 
He  is  waiting  outside ! — Shall  he  also  go  dis- 
appointed  from  this  door,  then  the  next  one  is 
that  of  death. 

Knox. 
Is  there  anything  else  you  want? 

Taylor. 
No,  Sir  ! 

Knox. 

You  have  come  into  a  depraved  house,  Will- 
lam,  you  should  — not  seek  temptation. 

Taylor. 
I  have  only  sought  the  company  of  one,  whom 
all  others  deserted. 

Knox. 

Well,  that  is  creditable  to  you, — But  let  me 
have  rest ! 

(Reads.) 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  133 

Taylor. 

Good  bye,  Sir!  (in  a  low  voice.)  I  think  never- 
theless, I  shall  risk  it! 

Knox. 

Good  bye,  William!  (Taylor  goes;  Knox  reads, 
stops.)  Such  wisdom!  The  poet's  words  are 
as  coin  of  precious  metal  which  keeps  its  value, 
but  the  impression  becomes  worn  and  soon  it  is 
not  current  any  more.  The  word  of  the  Lord  is 
as  the  diamond,  it  is  never  worn  and  sparkles 
with  the  same  lustre  till  the  Lord's  last  day. 

(A  Knock.) 

Come  in  ! 


SCENE    SECOND. 


Darxley 
(covered  with  a  cloak). 

Are  you  alone  ? 

Knox. 

Yes ! 

Darnley. 
Do  you  want  to  speak  to  an  unhappy  man? 


134  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Knox. 

Always. 

Darnley 

(throws  off  his  cloak). 
Do  you  know  me? 

Knox 

(rises). 
The  King ! 

Darnley. 
No,  not  any   longer !      Only   the  poor  Henry 
Darnley ! 

Knox 

(coldly). 
What  do  you  want  here? 

Darnley. 
Advice,   consolation,    help ! — Yes,     I     do    not 
know  what   I   want ;  but   I   have  no  one  else  to 
go  to. 

Knox. 
You  have  deserted  our  church,  have  embraced 
the  Catholic — seek  now  the  consolation  of  that! 

Darnley. 
That  has  none ;  now  I  want  to  return  to  the 
Protestant ! 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  135 

Knox. 
But  this  church  is  more  severe  than  that. 

Darn  ley. 

It  is  not  the  church  I  seek,  it  is  a  strong  man; 
I  am  in  need ! 

Knox 

{lays  his  book  aside,  goes  near  to  him,  looks  in 

Jlis  eyes). 
What  do  you  want? 

Darn  ley. 

Seek  help  to  protect  myself ;  I  am  tempted 
night  and  day  to  commit  suicide. 

Knox. 

To  flee  from  a  short  and  temporal  anguish, 
you  want  to  seek  out  an  eternal? 

Darnley. 

God  can't  punish  one  any  more,  that  has  al- 
ready  suffered  so  much. 

Knox. 

He  does  not  punish  the  man,  but  the  sin;  when 
vou  carry  the  sin  over  with  vou,  he  must  also 
punish  it  further. 


136  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Darnley. 
Where  shall  I  then  go?     The  whole  earth  has 
only  blame,  scorn  and  torment  for  me. 

Knox. 

Please  sit  down,  I  want  to  talk  to  vou. 

Darnley. 
But  be  not  severe ! 

Knox 

(has  taken  a  chair  and  moved  near  to  him'). 

You  have  broken  with  your  queen,  Elizabeth, 
and  with  your  fatherland,  to  come  to  this  woman. 

Darnley. 
Yes. 

Knox. 

You  have  deserted  the  faith  of  your  childhood 
for  Mary's  sake. 

Darnley. 

Yes. 

Knox. 
And  later  you  have  scorned  it. 

Darnley. 

Yes. 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  137 

Knox. 
But  immediately  when  you  thought  Mary  was 
untrue.,  you  also  scorned  her  and  threw  yourself 
into  debauchery  and   defiance. 

Darnley. 
Yes. 

Knox. 

You  turned  traitor  against  her  and  sold  her 
to  the  conspirators. 

Darnley. 

Yes. 

Knox. 

Then  you  again  sold  the  conspirators  to  her. 

Darnley. 
Yes. 

Knox. 

But  then  the  conspirators  took  revenge  and 
communicated  to  the  queen  that  you  even  had 
signed  her  abdication  of  the  throne. 

Darnley. 

Yes. 

Knox. 
The  conspirators  had  for  a  long  time  treated 


138  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

you  with  contempt;  now  she  also  did  it, — and 
with  her  all  the  people!  Then  you  thought  of 
flight,  but  you  can't  go  to  England,  for  there 
your  enemies  are;  neither  to  France,  for  there 
her  friends  are ;  to  no  Catholic  country ,  for 
there  she  is  loved;  to  no  Protestant,  for  there 
vou  are  yourself  held  in  contempt 

Darnley. 
Yes,  Lord  Jesus !     So  it  is !     The  countries  of 
the  whole  world  are  closed  against  me  as  is  the 
heart  of  every  man, — oh,  have  pity ! 

Knox. 
For  him,  to  whom  life  has  been  so  dark  and 
severe  on  earth,  light  is  quickly  kindled  in  heav- 
en.     Truly,  my  son,  I  shall  help  you ' 

Darnley 

(on  his  knees). 
Oh,  for  heaven's  sake. 

Knox 

(freeing  himself  from  him,  strokes  his  hair  back 
from  off  his  face). 

Yes,  for  its  sake!     There  still  shall  come  that 
day  on  which  you  shall  feel  yourself  quiet  and 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  139 

Daknley. 
Here  on  earth? 

Knox. 

Here  on  earth.  Sometime  one  becomes  as 
miserable  as  you  are  now,  that  both  he  and 
others  really  can  feel  that  there  exist  an  eter- 
nity and  a  commiserator — for  otherwise  we 
would  not  advance. 

Darnley. 

Xow,  I   will  never  more  leave  you! 

Knox. 
You  must,  nevertheless,  my  son ! 

Darnlev. 

No,  you  alone  can  teach  me  to  forget  her,  and 
if  you  do  that,  oh,  how  I  shall  love  you  through 
my  whole  life;  for  I  can  love,  you  must  believe! 

Knox. 

Not  me,  not  me!  I  shall  soon  go  away  from 
you,  but  He  will  be  here  all  days. 

Darnley. 

Oh,  I  understand  you  ! 


140  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Knox. 

And  He  shall  send  you  a  help,  you  do  not 
have  any  thought  of. 

Darn  ley. 

But  you  must  stay  with  me;  I  devour  your 
every  word,  as  the  suffocating  inhales  the  air; 
vou  must  continue  with  me! 

Knox. 

My  son,  you  have  a  wonderful  faculty  for  be- 
lief; I  tell  you,  you  shall  regain  your  health! 

Darn  ley. 

Oh,  Knox!  May  I  always  come  to  you  as  a 
son? 

Knox. 

Be  cheerful, — from  this  moment  you  are  that! 

Darnley 

(arms  around  his  neck). 

Oh.  I  need  love  so  very  much! 

Knox. 

You  shall  learn  to  give  it  to  a  greater  one. — 
But  now,  mv  son,  I  must  leave  vou;  I  am  order- 
ed  to  he  present  at  the  queen's  entry  into  the 
city; — I  suppose  you  will  do  likewise? 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  141 

Darnley. 

Why  did  you  mention  her?  I  now  had  a 
peace,  which  I  have  not  felt  for  many  months. 

Knox. 

Von  elective  yourself  very  much,  my  son,  if 
you  think  that  you  can  gain  it  without  a  fight. 
You  must  be  able  to  face  both  scorn  and  punish- 
ment, otherwise  no  physician  is  of  any  use!    Are 

n  not  going  to  the  palace? 

Darnley. 

Yes ! 

Knox. 

Then  attend  ! 

Darnley. 

Oh,  that  is  only  to  receive  new  humiliations* 
— I  know  that. 

Knox. 

Then  receive  them !      You  do  not  gain  cour- 
age, neither  forgiveness  the  cheaper. 

Darnley. 

Oil.  Knox,  you  do  not  understand  what  it  is; 
you,  that  are  alwavs  strouG1.   .   . 


142  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Knox. 

To  sum  it  up,  if  you  can't  take  upon  yourself 
self-inflicted  humiliation,  then  you  can't  make 
yourself  fit  for  grace, — and  I  can't  help  you. 

Darn  ley. 
Oh,  if  my  courage  failed  at  the  moment.   .   . 

Knox. 

We  shall  pray ! 

Dafnley. 
Will  you  then  help  me? 

Knox. 
With  all  my  might!     Come  now.   .   . 

Darn  ley. 

(takes  the  clonk). 

I  must  shroud  myself. 

Knox. 
Why?     Summer's  day ! 

Darnley. 
Oh,  they  must  not  see  me  coming  from  here. 

Knox. 
Thev  saw  vou  in  old  davs  come  out  from  the 

a/  »  */ 

taverns;  are  vou  more  ashamed  of.   .   . 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  143 

Darnley. 
You   make   me   ashamed.      I    will   go   without 
the  cloak ! 

(Throws  it  off.) 

Knox. 
Right,  my  son  ! 

Darnley. 
Let  us  go  then ! 

Knox. 
Yes.     (Goes.) 

Darnley. 
But  the  people  .   .   .  when  they  see  me,  they 
whisper  and  laugh.   .   . 

Knox. 
Not  when  you  go  with  me. 

Darnley. 
I  will  accompany  you ! 

(They  go.) 
(Change  of  scene.) 


SCENE  THIRD. 


Throne — hall   in    Holyrood. 
(Music.     Large  and  elegant  assembly  of  citi" 


144  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

sens,  nobles  and  courtiers.  The  queen  under  a 
canopy,  the  Earl  of  Murray  next  to  her  on  one 
side,  Lord  Stuart  on  the  other.) 

A  Citizen 
(kneeling) . 

This  Presbyterian  assembly  of  Edinburgh's 
citizens  want  to  pay  you  homage!  Begging  for 
protection  for  our  militant  church,  we  congratu- 
late vou  on  vour  victory  over  the  traitors  and 
enemies  and  implore  God's  blessing  on  the  child 
that  just  is  born  to  you  for  the  union  of  two 
realms,  whose  right  heir  he  alone  is.  ■  (Risi?ig.) 
God  bless  Scotland's  queen  Mary ! 

(It  is  repeated  accompanied  by  thp  flourish- 
ing of  trumpets.) 

Queen. 

Together  with  our  citizens  we  thank  the  high 
assembly,  that  our  entry  here  has  become  one  of 
victory.  They  that  rebelled  as  high  traitors 
have  either  perished  by  the  sword,  or  are  in 
prison,  or  fugitives.  God  once  more  wished  to 
manifest  by  our  enemies'  destruction,  that  our 
right  is  from  Him.  and  that  He  Himself  wat- 
ches over  us.  Therefore  has  He  also  in  times  of 
danger  graciously  presented  us  with  an  heir, — 
whose  youth   T   trust  vou  with,  Scottish  men! — 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  145 

Then  it  is  left  to  thank  the  men,  who  in  these 
days  have  assisted  us — first  of  all  the  Earl  of 
Bothwell,  Scotland's  High  Admiral,  our  Lord 
Lieutenant  at  the  frontier.  God  has  granted 
this  man  the  second  time  to  save  our  honor  and 
our  realm !  He  has  conquered  the  rebels  and 
restored  the  law  in  Scotland.  We  are  sorry  that 
he  is  not  here  personally  to  receive  our  reward. 
It  is  our  duty  to  thank  the  Earl  of  Murray,  our 
brother.  In  time  of  danger  he  embraced  our 
cause.  The  order  in  the  interior,  which  the 
country  now  enjoys,  is  due  to  him.  Many  faith- 
ful citizens  I  have  to  thank,  also  you  citizens  of 
Edinburgh.  We  know  one  another  now!  Al- 
though a  woman,  our  Majesty  does  not  let  the 
offence  against  her  go  unpunished,  and  your 
faithfulness  is  my  honor's  strongest  buckler! 

All. 
The  Queen  forever ! 

The  Citizen 

(kneeling). 

Edinburgh  wishes  to  celebrate  this  day  with 
a  great  feast.  We  wish  humbly  to  ask  your 
grace  to  be  present  in  a  short  while. 


146  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Queen* 
(joyously). 

I  thank  the  citizens  of  Edinburgh.  Within  an 
hour  I  expect  you  here,  so  I  can  accompany  you ! 
I  thank  you ! 

(He  retires.) 

We  wish  to  have  a  conversation  with  John 
Knox. 

Darnley 

(forward,  bends  his  knee). 

I  kneel  here  with  a  prayer  for  your  future  and 
with  a  welcome  to  vour  iovful  entrv ! 

Queen. 
We  thank  your  grace,  whom  we  in  vain  ex- 
pected to  see  at  our  side  during  the  entry. — We 
hope  now  that  you  may  lead  us  to  the  feast  of 
the  citizens, — for  the  moment  we  give  audience. 
(He  bows  and  goes.) 


SCENE    FOURTH. 


Knox 

(to  the  queen,  who  has  fallen  into  a  r every,  as 
she  is  looking  after  Darnley). 
Whv  am  I  called? 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  147 

Queen 
(nerving  herself). 

Listen  to  me,  under  this  festal  robe  my  heart 
is  throbbing  from  sorrow  and  doubt.  I  have  sor- 
row in  my  house,  sorrow  that  can  never  become 
joy.  (she  stops  a  moment)  and  doubt  I  have  in 
ray  government,  doubt  about  where  I  shall  go. — 
I  will  not  conceal  from  you  in  this  to  me  so  im- 
portant a  moment,  that  Rizzio  fell  a  victim  to  my 
own  indiscreetness  in  more  than  one  respect. 
With  him  my  whole  policy  fell;  for  he  alone 
held  the  reins. — But  before  I  again  begin  the 
negotiations  with  the  Catholic  powers,  I  wish  to 
once  more  seek  an  agreement  with  you.  Do  not 
push  me  back ;  be  now,  if  only  for  once,  mild  and 
good  to  me,  and  tell  me:  Is  a  reconciliation  not 
at  all  possible? 

Knox. 
I  have  answered  your  grace  so  many  times  on 
this   point. 

Queen. 

To  make  sheer  demands  is  not  any  attempt  at 
an  agreement. — 

Knox. 
Your  grace  knows  that    I    can    not    bargain 
about  the  truth. 


148  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Queen. 

No,  no !     But  tell  me  what  is  necessary. 

Knox. 

This  is  necessary:  You  shall  abjure  the  Cath- 
olic religion  and  shun  the  pope's  seduction ;  for 
he  is  the  great  antichrist. 

Queen. 

Oh;  do  not  speak  in  that  way !  Remember, 
that  I  was  baptized  in  my  childhood  in  the  Cath- 
olic faith,  that  I  married  in  it  in  my  youth,  and 
that  my  dead  were  buried  in  it, — my  whole  heart 
is  with  it ! 

Knox. 

Then  it  is  no  wonder  that  you  are  irresolute; 
for,  as  Martha,  have  you  not  elected  the  better 
part. 

Queen. 

Spare  me, — let  us  speak  about  the  situation 
and  about  the  future ;  for  I  am  near  to  despera- 
tion ! 

Knox. 
For  God  wished  to  warn  you! 

Queen. 
What  do  you  mean? 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  149 

Knox. 

That  you,  after  what  you  have  experienced, 
are  stiJl  trying  a  half  act,  an  agreement,  instead 
of  a  whole  act, — I  say  that  is  to  defy  God. 

Queen. 
1  do  not  understand  you ! 

Knox. 

Then  I  shall  speak  clearly.  When  Manasse 
defied  God,  he  was  carried  off  to  Assyria  in 
captivity.  First  when  he  humbled  himself,  he 
returned  to  his  ancestors'  throne.  But  his  son 
Anion  did  not  humble  himself  before  the  Lord 
arid  was  killed  by  his  own  servants. 

Queen. 
Jesus,  Mary!     This  is  to  preach  rebellion, 

Knox. 
This  is  to  preach  Holy  Writ. 

Queen. 

This  is  against  all  Christian  ethics;  for  the 
king  is  the  Lord's  anointed. 

Knox. 

Manasse  was  also  the  Lord's  anointed. 


150  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Queen. 

Oh,  Knox!     You  will  be  the  cause  of  all  my 
misfortune ! 

Knox. 
For  I  can't  change  the  Scripture! 

Queen. 

But  you  could  be  a  human  being ! 
(She  weeps.) 

Knox 

(  mildly  ) . 
Oh,  would  that  there  were  the  right  contri- 
tion in  this  weeping,  so  I  could  say  with  the 
prophet  Hulda:  "Because  thy  heart  is  moved 
by  the  words  thou  hast  heard,  and  because  thou 
humbledst  thyself  before  the  Lord  and  has  wept 
before  me,  therefore  thou  shalt  meet  thy  an- 
cestors in  peace,  so  thy  eyes  shall  not  see  all  the 
disaster  I  will  bring  upon  this  place." 

Queen. 
I  will  humble  myself,  I  will  not  force  my 
faith  on  this  people.  I  will  not  again  live  to 
see  a  night  like  that  on  which  Rizzio  was  killed. 
But  I  demand  forbearance,  tolerance ;  for  I  show 
it  myself.  That  is  a  sacrifice  I  am  making;  let 
that  anvwav  be  counted  in  mv  favor ! 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  151 

Knox. 
\\  hen  King  Saul  made  offer  unto  the  Lord  to 
reconcile  him  and  wished  to  keep  something 
for  himself,  Samuel  said:  Dost  thou  think  the 
Lord  hath  greater  desire  for  offerings  than  for 
obedience? — Refractoriness  is  ungodliness  and 
idolatry." 

Queen. 
Am  I  then  an  idolatress? 

Knox. 
Yes. 

Queen. 

Oh,  Knox !  It  is  a  sin  for  you  to  say  this  to 
me. 

Knox. 

If  I  were  silent,  it  would  be  a  greater  sin. 
The  high  priest  Eli  was  a  righteous  man;  but  he 
was  eradicated  from  the  earth  because  he  did 
not  withhold  his  sons  from  sin. 

Queen. 

Listen  to  me:  Mv  faith  is  as  sacred  to  me  as 
yours  is  to  you.  .But  I  shall  grant  you  free  ex- 
ercise of  religion  with  salaried  parsons  and  all 
belonging  to  it  under  the  supervision  of  the  law. 


152  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Then  grant  me  the  same  for  the  Catholics !  Let 
not  these  horrible  scenes  be  repeated.,  which  are 
a  shame  to  all  humanity !  Let  us  bear  with  one 
another,  Christianity  is  love  anyway !  You 
yourself,  Knox,  must  try  to  show  this  love,  not 
thunder  from  the  pulpits  against  me,  your  of  the 
Lord  appointed  queen,  nor  stir  parliament  a- 
gainst  its  anointed  supreme  head;  but  rather 
join  in  building  up  respect  for  the  authorities 
and  the  law  in  this  desperate  country! 

Knox. 

The  Catholic  doctrine  has  destroyed  this  peo- 
ple. The  Catholic  church  gives  absolution  from 
sin  for  all  that  which  their  wildness,  thirst  of 
revenge,  vanity  and  avarice  hit  upon !  We  have 
come  back  to  paganism !  The  Lord's  angel  now 
places  himself  at  the  gate;  the  entrance  is  barr- 
ed, also  every  side-way,  every  short  cut,  every 
roundabout  way  is  barred.  But  as  long  as  a 
Catholic  church-door  is  open,  so  long  there  is  a 
short  cut,  a  side-way,  a  roundabout  way  open. — 
This  is  my  opinion,  high  lady,  and  it  is  irrevo- 
cable. 

Queen. 
Horrible   man!      You   make   your    doctrine   a 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  153 

matter  of  life  and  death  for  Scotland,  a  national 
matter ! 

Knox. 

So  it  is. 

Queen. 
And  he  that  can't  join.   .   . 

Knox. 

Perishes ! 

Queen. 

Oh,  I  feeble  woman,  thrown  into  this  fight, 
and  among  this  people  !  Although  married,  I  am 
as  a  widow,  although  queen,  I  am  addressed  as 
a  criminal  subject;  I  do  not  understand  your 
hardness. 

Knox. 

No,  you  do  not  understand  neither  your  age 
nor  your  people.  It  is  in  adversity,  that  the 
Lord's  deeds  have  the  strongest  effect;  I  think 
that  is  the  reason  for  your  coming  up  here.  For 
your  resistance  will  have  such  effect,  that  even 
the  sleeepy  wakes  up,  the  lukewarm  becomes 
eager ; —  thus  you  are  in  spite  of  yourself  a 
blessing  to  this  country. 


154  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Queen*. 

No,  this  goes  too  far !  I,  your  queen,  address 
an  apostle  of  peace  to  get  advice  and  consola- 
tion from  him.  But  he  overwhelms  my  over- 
tures with  threats  and  my  religion  with  scorn! 
lie  says,  I  live  for  the  ruin  of  my  people  and 
that  it  is  only  by  the  grace  of  the  Lord,  turned 
into  blessing,  He  compares  me  with  the  Bible's 
ungodly  regents  and  gives  my  people  permission 
to  rebel  against  me ! 

Then  I  call  upon  heaven  to  bear  me  witness, 
that  I  again  and  again  have  wished  reconcilia- 
tion, but  it  has  stranded  because  of  you!  Take 
the  responsibility  therefor,  my  heart  accuses 
you,  and  history  will  do  it  for  all  eternity ! — Do 
not  come  any  more  before  my  face,  shun  this 
country !  You  were  a  party  to  the  last  conspir- 
acy, I  know  that,  and  parsons  who  stir  the  peo- 
ple against  their  authorities  are  an  abomination 
unto  the  Lord, — and  we  will  not  put  up  with 
them  within  our  frontiers  ! 

Knox. 

If  your  grace  has  an  accusation  against  me,  I 
may  humbly  ask  to  be  brought  before  the  parlia- 
ment of  the  countrv. 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  155 

Queen. 

You  yourself  have  taught  that  both  can  be 
dispensed  with  in  regard  to  us,  do  not  then  ex- 
pect better  conditions  yourself!  For  we  shall 
have  a  government  here,  queen  I  will  be. — Go ! 

Knox. 
I  ask  gently  .  .  . 

Queen. 

No,  not  a  word  more! — What  have  I  not  put 
up  with,  and  how  have  I  not  been  begging  for 
reconciliation !  But,  although  I  am  the  wronged, 
oh,  so  shockingly  mistreated,  you  are  so  severe, 
so  haughty,  so  hard  .  .  .  oh,  you  behave  yourself 
disgracefully  toward  me ! 

(She  weeps,  Knox  stands  a  while  surprised, 
bows  deeply  and  goes.) 


SCENE    FIFTH. 


Queen. 


I  can't  draw  breath  in  the  same  country  where 
this  horrible  man  is, — now  he  must  away!  My 
designs,  my  whole  life  is  wrapped  up  in  him;  it 


136  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

is  like  a  storm  on  a  heath.  Now  he  has  to  be 
driven  away.  And  with  him  his  doctrine;  for 
that  is  as  he,  it  is  intolerance,  agitation,  rebel- 
lion, arbitrary  explanation  of  the  Bible,  it  up- 
sets civic  life  and  order.  With  horror  I  turn 
away  from  it ! — But  with  whom  shall  I  go  fur- 
ther— and  where? 

Lord  Stuart. 
The  Earl  of  Bothwell  has  come ! 

Queen* 

(surprised,  almost  loses  her  composure). 

Bothwell    here !      I    thought    he    was    at    the 
frontier  ? 

Lord  Stuart. 

The  frontier  wars  are  at  an  end,  and  he  is  a 
yictor ! 

(Goes,   the   door  is  opened.) 


SCENE  SIXTH. 


(BothzveU    quickly,    followed    by    his    officers). 

Queen. 
Welcome ! 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  W 

BoTHWELL. 

We  have  hurried  to  join  in  the  general  entry; 
but  have  nevertheless  come  too  late ! 

Queens 

To  receive  our  thanks  and  reward,  you  have 
not  come  too  late ! 

Bothwell. 

Allow  me  to  recommend  tjie  officers  in  my 
suite. 

Queen'. 

The  Lord  Lieutenant's  recommendation  is 
more  than  enough  !  Gentlemen,  I  shall  remem- 
ber you. 

(They  salute  and  retire.) 

Queen*. 

Oh,  Bothwell,  you  are  Scotland's  sword  and 
the  honor  of  your  queen  I 

Bothwell, 
I  am  your  servant  and  nothing  more. 

Queen". 

You  vividly  recall  to-day  about  our  seeing; 
you  the  first  time.  You  as  a  quite  young  man 
had  fought  for  our  mother,  but  driven  away  by 


158  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

a  superior  force  you  came  as  a  fugitive  to  our 
court  in  Paris.  So  healthy  and  strong  did  you 
come  into  the  fine  apartments !  Such  a  longing 
for  home  you  gave  me! 

BOTHWELL. 

I  came  from  battles  and  dangers,  that  gives 
natural  superiority  to  one  in  a  dancing-room. 

Queen*. 

Your  great  faculties  lifted  you  up  above  the 
crowd  of  the  court ;  we  all  saw  in  you  the  man, 
who  later  beat  Murray's  rebellious  party,  and 
who  now  for  the  second  time  has  saved  us  and 
Scotland !  You  have  been  true  to  us  through  all 
vicissitudes ;  —  there  is  hardly  a  Scottish  noble- 
man about  whom  we  can  say  the  same. 

BOTHWELL. 

Your  grace's  thanks  are  not  worth  so  much  to 
me  as  her  confidence. — 

Queen. 

Yes,  I  rely  upon  you, — in  spite  of  all  slander ; 
I  rely  upon  you  ! 

Bothwell, 
Try  me,  try  me ! 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  ^ 

Queen. 

I  have  no  one  else ! — Oh,  tell  me,  Both  well, 
how  shall  I  get  rid  of  the  unfortunate  religious 
controversies. 

BOTHWELL. 

By  not  bothering  yourself  about  them ! 

Queen. 

That  is  also  an  advice.     Ha.  ha.  ha  ' 

BOTHWELL. 

Draw  the  leaders  to  you,  give  them  offices  and 
goods ! 

Queen. 

I  can't  show  their  leaders  any  favor,  for  they 
are  exiled. 

Bothwell. 
Then  let  them  come  home  again ! 

Queen. 

High  traitors ! 

Bothwell. 

Who  are  not  high  traitors  in  Scotland !  What 
does  it  matter  if  the  turbulent  heads  make 
trouble,  when  they  only  are  conquered?      It  is 


160  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

elevating   thus   to   live   among   sheer   conquered 
people ! 

Queen. 
You  are  certainly  no  dark  Protestant,  you  are 
Certainly  Catholic  ? 

BOTHWELL. 

1  myself  have  not  really  calculated  the  dif- 
ference, but  I  have  observed  that  there  are  ras- 
cals among  both. 

Queen. 
Ha,  ha,  ha ! 

Bothwell. 

But  since  the  Queen  asks  me,  may  I  be  al- 
lowed to  ask  the  Queen:  What  reward  do  you 
get  for  occupying  yourself  with  these  things  : 

Queen. 
What  reward? 

Bothwell. 

Yes,  I  mean  not  the  inner;  for  I  have  seen  in 
you  only  sighs  and  tears, — but  outward,  in  the 
realm  or  as  queen  ? 

Queen. 

It  is  certainly  not  great  so  far. 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  161 

BOTHWELL. 

Unless  you  call  it  reward  to  be  so  abundantly 
furnished  with  rebellion,  treason  and  attack,  as 
your  grace  has  been  during  all  these  years. 

Queen. 
But  I  get  help ! 

Bothwell. 

H'm — I  suppose  that  is  not  more  than  my 
regiment  of  cavalrv  can  lew  on  a  iovous  day! 
From  the  pope  perhaps  a  string  of  beads,  from 
King  Philip  some  Cyprus-wine,  from  Catherine 
— at  most — a  bottle  of  poison. 

Queen. 

Ha,  ha,  ha !  There  is  more  truth  in  this  than 
in  years  of  negotiations. 

Bothwell. 
Then  something  more, — if  I  am  allowed.  .  . 

Queen. 
Speak,  speak ! 

Bothwell. 

You  are  young,  beautiful,  gifted  and  on  ac- 
count of  these  disturbances  can  never  live  in 
peace ! — Four  rebellions  have  shaken  vour  short 


162  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

reign.  Intrigues  on  the  continent,  English  in- 
trigues tear  asunder  your  reign.  Now  they  wish 
to  take  you  prisoner  on  a  riding  tour,  then  they 
break  into  your  church  during  the  service,  then 
into  your  room  at  night,  soon  they  kill  your  true 
servants  far  away  from  you,  soon  in  your  royal 
presence !  And  to  all  this — religion  as  a  pre- 
text !  Look  what  reward  your  care  for  these 
things  gives  you, — while  your  beautiful  youth 
passes,  loses  leaves  as  a  rose-tree  in  a  storm ! 

Queen. 
Yes,  it  is  true,  it  is  true ! 

Bothwell. 

If  you  even  could  effect  anything  by  it,  you 
would  as  every  brave  nature  not  pay  attention 
to  danger  and  trouble.  But  in  what  respect, 
since  you  put  your  feet  on  Scottish  ground,  is 
the  religious  position  changed?  The  same  dis- 
turbance, the  same  lie  ! — 

Queen. 
Yes,  yes,  alas  yes  ! 

Bothwell. 
He  that  has  once  begun  toward  an  aim,  often 
does  not  observe  that  he  goes  around  instead  of 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  163 

forward.  There  must  come  a  stranger  to  see 
and  warn  him.  I  am  this  stranger.  I  tell  your 
grace:  All  that  which  you  till  this  day  have 
thought  and  acted  in  this  country's  religious  mat- 
ters, has  only  brought  you  to  the  edge  of  an 
abyss. — Let  therefore  these  matters  take  care  of 
themselves ;  be  a  human  being,  woman,  youth, 
queen  !  The  world  anyway  has  other  tunes  than 
psalms  and  other  places  than  graves ! — Come, 
I  will  take  you  by  the  hand  and  lead  you  to 
the  dance!  Or  to  the  tumult  of  the  battle  on 
the  foaming  steed  !  Take  the  wreath  of  life  and 
put  it  on  your  luxurious  hair,  you  are  more 
charming  than  the  fairy  of  the  forest,  take  as 
she,  nature  into  your  possession,  while  it  still  has 
fragrance ; — fall  will  come  soon  enough  ! 

Queen. 
Man,  you  are  breaking  into  my  house  like  sun- 
beams!  I  perceive  you  as  a  song  under  my 
window;  [I  am  myself  standing  in  the  dim 
cloister-castle,  the  old  pictures  on  the  deep 
arches  put  on  life,  the  dreams  of  my  childhood 
awake,  and  I  run  to  the  open  balcony.  There  is 
a  view  as  on  a  clear  day  in  the  blue  colors  of 
jov.  and  you  yourself  are  sitting  under  the  bal- 
conv  nnd  reaching:  your  hard  ur>  from  vour  steed. 


164  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

while  at  your  side  my  own  is  standing  saddled.] 
— I  bow  myself  down  before  you,  and  along  it 
goes  through  the  dreamed-of  countries  of  my 
childhood !  Around  me  again  is  the  French 
court,  the  joyous  choir  of  minstrels  flutter  along 
amid  the  ladies'  long  veils,  the  brave  cavaliers 
manage  their  steeds,  the  banners  are  waving,  I 
am  queen  in  this  circle  and  enraptured  with  joy! 
—Yes,  take  me  out  to  the  longings  of  my  spring ! 
Before  one  dies,  one  must  live  anyway ! 

BOTHWELL. 

Yes,  yes  !  Travel  in  your  beautiful  country, 
call  on  your  lords,  ascend  the  mountains,  hunt, 
dance, — then  down  on  the  bays,  or  out  on  the 
sea !  There  I  was  raised ;  it  is  inspiring  on  the 
sea !  There  the  sorrows  blow  away  indefinitely 
and  courage  is  stretched  as  a  sail !  There  you 
can  conceive  great  designs  and  inhale  the 
strength  which  will  bring  them  into  execution ! 

Queen. 

Yes,  in  the  intercourse  with  you  I  can  forget, 
I  can  still  be  happy  !     I  feel  that ! 

Bothwell. 

Indeed,  nature  has  also  its  altar,  on  that  the 
sorrow  has  to  be  offered  ! — Don't  vou  feel  bv  ray 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  165 

words  a  liking  for  life,  which  you  do  not  intend 
to  give  up?  There  are  other  demands  in  young 
blood  than  those  which  are  taught  by  monks.  We 
got  a  kiss  from  the  strong  powers  of  nature,  we 
must  give  it  back  before  we  die ! — He  that  is 
pinched  and  sick,  shall  make  a  grasp  back  in 
life  for  a  renewal  of  youth!  He  whose  nerves 
begin  to  tremble  shall  take  morning  walks  in 
the  strong,  fresh  air  of  decisions ! — 

Queen. 

Come,  I  will  take  my  first  walk. 

(They  go.) 


SCENE  SEVENTH. 


Lord   Stuart. 

The  court  as  well  as  the  citizens  are  waiting 
for  your  grace ! 

•  Queen. 

Let  them  come ! 

(As   the  doors  are   opened,  the  beginning  of 
the  march  previously  played  is  heard.) 


166  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

The  Citizen 
(kneeling) . 

We  have  come  to  call  for  your  grace  according 
to  order ! 

(He  rises.) 

Darnley 
(steps  forward  quietly). 

By  order  of  your  grace  I  appear  to  take  you. 
to  the  great  feast ! 

Queen. 

I  am  so  fortunate,  my  Lord,  to  be  able  to 
dispense  with  your  help — (subduedly)  forever! 
(Darnley  stumbles  back  a  couple  of  steps,  so 
he  remains  standing  quite  forward  in  the  corner 
to  the  right.)  Will  the  Earl  of  Bothwell  please 
take  us  to  the  great  feast,  which  really  is  his 
work ! 

Bothwell 

(forward,  kneeling,  takes  her  hand;  louder 
music). 

(They  arrange  themselves  in  pairs,  the  queen 
f.rst,  led  by  Bothwell;  they  pass  by  Darnley 
without  looking  at  him,  then  pair  after  pair; 
some  look  at  him  with  a  smile  or  scorn,  others 
not  at  all;  the  stage  is  becoming  vacated,  music 
is  heard  for  a  long  time.) 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  167 

Darnley 

(remains  standing  unmovable  a  long  time,  be- 
hind him  his  page,  William  Taylor;  then  he 
sinks  down  and  hides  his  face,  the  page  forward 
at  his  side  in  prayer.  Then  Knox  enters  slowly, 
places  himself  between  them  and  prays). 

Knox. 

Take  this  sinful,  but  severely  punished  soul 
up,  take  it  through  the  fire-purification  of  repen- 
tence  into  your  grace! 

(When  Darnley  perceives  Knox's  voice,  he 
looks  up,  reaches  his  hands  up  toward  him; 
when  Knox  has  finished,  he  leaps  up,  throws 
himself  on  his  breast  and  sobs.) 

Knox. 

My  son,  have  you  had  enough  of  life's  joyous 
gifts? 

Darnley. 
Now  I  have  enough ! 

Knox. 

Do  you  want  to  go  thither,  where  everything 
is  eternal? — 

Darnley. 
Now   I   want  to  go  thither,  where  I  can  get 
love ;  I  need  some  one  to  love ! 


168  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Knox. 

You  shall  find  Him! — You,  William,  who 
yourself  have  gone  the  way,  you  must  help  me 
to  bring  him  to  the  eternal  love. 

Darnley 
(to  Taylor). 

You  have  not  gone  from  me?     He  that  did  not 

go  away  from  me  to-day,  must  stay  with  me  till  I 

die !  — 

/ 

Taylor. 

Till  you  die ! 

{They  embrace  one  another.) 

(Down  on  the  street  hundreds  of  voices  are 
heard,  shouting:  "Mary  Stuart  of  Scotland  for- 
ever!" 'The  Queen  forever!"  Flourishes  and  a 
salute  of  cannon.) 

Darnley. 

Now  the  ground  is  trembling  at  her  feet.  Now 
she  has  conquered — and  I  have  lost! 

Knox 

(looks  at  him  a  while  in  his  sorrow). 
I   do  not  know  if  you  will  conquer ;  but  she 
will  lose,  that  I  know ! 

(The  curtain  falls.) 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  169 

ACT  FOURTH 

An  old  forest. 


SCENE  FIRST. 


Song   of   hunters,   who   are   not    seen: 

The  ling  behind  us  stands  in  smoke, 

stands  in  smoke. 
In  front  is  the  queen's  hawk, 

the  queen's  hawk. 

Frangrance  comes  from  birch  and  bird  cherries, 

birch  and  bird  cherries. 
The  horn  storms  the  walls  of  the  rock, 
the  walls  of  the  rock. 

The  air  is  so  bracing  and  clear, 

bracing  and  clear. 
Hurra,  up,  she  is  first, 

she  is  first. 

Hunt,  hunt — the  joy  itself, 

the  joy  itself. 
Hunt  it  in  the  river  of  death  ! 

the   river  of  death  ! 


170  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

During  the  last  horn-signal  Murray  and 
Lethington  dressed  as  hunters  with  carbines  in 
their  hands  enter  quickly  from  the  right,  stop 
and  look  toward  the  left,  and  after  a  couple  of 
•words  Murray  goes  quickly  up  toward  the  rear 
and  disappears.  Lethington  drops  back  slowly 
— spying.  The  Queen  enters,  led  by  Both- 
well;  sits  down. 

Queen. 

Alone  among  high  trees  is  to  me  as  in  the 
quietness  after  a  gun-shot. 

BOTHWELL. 

No,  as  if  I  were  ljing  in  ambush. 

Queen. 

Bothwell,  Bothwell!  The  forest  is  the  un- 
fortunates' sanctuary.  All  that  were  persecuted 
on  earth,  have  rested  in  the  great  forests.  Don't 
you  remember  David  pursued  by  Saul,  Jotham 
fleeing  from  Abimelech,  or  the  prophet  Elias 
alone  with  his  revelations  on  the  Mountain  of 
Horeb? 

Bothwell. 

But  don't  you  remember  our  ancestors !  The 
animals  of  the  forests  clothed  them,  the  thickets 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  171 

of  the  forest  hid  them ;  they  offered  up  blood  on 
the  roots  of  the  trees  with  prayers  to  the  reveng- 
ing Gods  of  the  forest.  It  is  revenge  the  forest 
hides.  Your  progenitor,  Robert  Bruce,  let  Scot- 
land's forests  attack  England  every  spring,  as 
Macduff  behind  Birnam  the  dark  Macbeth.  Do 
you  remember  Douglas'  nightly  revenge?  Scot- 
land's history  is  dreaming  in  its  forests ;  there 
we  can  wake  it  when  we  wish. 

Queen. 

I  have  often  listened  in  the  forests  and  heard 
voices,  but  they  were  not  these. 

Bothwell. 

In  the  forests  I  shot  animals  as  a  boy,  but 
robbers  as  a  man.  When  it  is  quiet  here,  I  must 
spy ;  when  a  branch  is  cracking,  I  take  to  arms. 

Queen. 

In  the  world  there  are  two  parties,  the  pur- 
suing and  the  pursued.     You  belong  to  the  first. 

Bothwell. 
Yes,  two  parties ! — But  there  is  one  that  has 
designs  and  another  that  has  none. 

Queen. 
Let  that  be  as  it  will.     The  whirls  of  the  de- 
sings  belong  out  there ;  here  is  shelter. 


172  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

BOTHWELL. 

No,  here  it  begins !  When  the  dogs  are  let 
loose  and  bark  in  the  air,  there  is  something  in 
my  nature  that  wants  to  do  likewise. — The  for- 
est excites;  for  it  has  hiding-places. 

Queen 

(rises). 

Earl,  where  is  our  suite?     We  will  go  further. 

Bothwell. 

Sent  away,  your  grace;  for  it  was  unneces- 
sary. 

Queen. 

Your  one  eye  twinkles  as  a  hawk's;  is  it  I 
whom  you  pursue? 

Bothwell. 

Yes,  with  a  love  more  intense  than  the  sum- 
mer-heat you  are  seeking  shelter  against. 

Queen. 

Bothwell,  I  have  entrusted  myself  to  your 
care! 

Bothwell. 

You  have  entrusted  me  with  so  much,  that 
you  must  trust  me  with  the  rest. 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  173 

Queen. 
That  would  not  be  good  for  either  of  us. 

Bothwell. 

I  do  not  wish  to  go  on  the  scaffold  as  Chate- 
lard,  or  be  killed  as  Rizzio,  or  be  thrown  away 
as  Darnley. 

Queen. 
Let  the  fate  of  the  daring  warn  you ! 

Bothwell. 
The  ire  of  your  eyes  sparkles  as  do  the  stars 
on  a  southern  night ! 

Queen. 
Bothwell,  your  were  the  proudest,  the  strong- 
est, I  had  for  mv  defence. 

Bothwell. 
Ishall  also  defend  you  against  all  the  world ! 

Queen. 
Not  against  my  own  conscience. 

Bothwell 
(on  his  knees). 
If  vou  already  mention  that,  then  you  love 


me! 


(Grasps  her  hand.) 


174  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Queen. 

I  mention  and  conjure  everything  between 
heaven  and  earth  against  you ! 

BOTHWELL. 

But  it  does  not  make  its  appearance ! 

Queen. 

You  overwhelm  intellect  and  law,  you  stake 
life  on  a  moment. 

BOTHWELL. 

For  I  love. 

Queen. 

Rise,  Bothwell,  cease  the  error  of  your  pas- 
sions, rise  toward  the  morning  of  honor  as  the 
falcon  from  my  hand, — and  there  will  perhaps 
Come  a  day — 

BOTHWELL. 

Then  please  give  me  a  pledge  of  this  ! 

Queen. 

No,  then  you  would  draw  me  entirely  over; 
for  you  are  too  strong. 

BOTHWELL. 

Mary,   no   one   has    served    you   as    Bothwell, 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  175 

none  loved  you  as   I.     They  that  loved  you  be- 
iore  were  not  men. 

Queen. 

That  is  true. — You  are  the  strongest  I  have 
known ! 

(She    quickly     embraces     him,    caresses     and 
kisses  him,  tears  herself  loose  and  disappears,) 


SCENE  SECOND. 


BOTHWELL 

(awakens  as  from  an  intoxication  J  he  turns, 
then  Lethington  comes  from  behind  a  tree  at 
the  same  moment). 

You  here? 

Lethington. 
Yes! 

BOTHWELL 

(rising). 

You  saw  the  queen? — Saw  her  here? — Saw 
what  happened  ? 

Lethington. 

Yes. 


176  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

BOTHWELL. 

Then  draw  your  sword,  Earl  of  Lethington ! 
{Draws  sword  himself.) 

Lethington 

(likewise). 

Yes,  I  now  draw  my  sword  against  Henry 
Darnley,  the  King  of  Scotland,  for  he  is  now  in 
the  way ! 

BOTHWELL. 

Kenry  Darnley ! 

Lethington. 

Now  quickly,  while  you  have  the  warmth, — 
a  barrel  of  powder  under  his  room  to-night,  and 
to-morrow  there  is  not  a  child  in  Scotland  that 
will  ask  for  him. 

Bothwell. 

Death  and  hell,  Lethington,  you  intend  to  de- 
ceive me ! 

(Starts  to  attack  him.) 

Lethington 

(stops  him). 

Man,  use  your  intellect !  This  is  what  every 
nobleman  in  Scotland  secretlv  wishes  and  what 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  177 

the  most  prominent  of  them  have  spoken  about, 
even  to-day,  seeing  you  together. 

BOTHWELL. 

I  am  still  not  sober  because  of  the  kiss  she 
gave  me; — is  this  not  an  ambush? 

Lethington. 

I  solemnly  assure  you  that  hundreds  of  the 
best  noblemen  of  the  country  will  appear  in  your 
behalf  in  court  or  in  a  duel,  wherever  you  might 
be  accused  because  of  this. 

BOTHWELL 

[after  he  has  considered). 
So  Darnlev  has  only — one  night  left ! 

Lethington. 

Not  a  whole  night!  Do  not  give  Mary  of 
Scotland  a  whole  night  for  consideration  ! 

(Pause.) 

Bothwell 

(in  an  undertone). 
Lethington.   do   you    think    there    is    a    power 
above  us ! 

Lethington. 
I  do  not  see  much  of  it? 


178  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

BOTHWELL. 

But  below  ? — 

Lethington, 
— are  the  worms. 

BOTHWELL 

(more  loudly). 
But  there  are  powers  in  us, — eternal  or  tem- 
poral, from  where  or  to  where, — but  from  the 
moment  my  will  has  taken  root  in  the  occur- 
ences, I  have  seen  it  grow.  I  once  stood  in 
for  the  Orkneys,  the  ocean  tossed  us,  the  clouds 
flitted  like  wet  sails,  the  breakers  roared,  and 
the  coast  was  treeless  and  rockv ;  then  I  felt  mv 
family  present,  the  Norwegian  viking  stock  that 
drove  ashore  here  and  from  which  we  descend ; 
it  has  a  will-tree,  that  bit  root  into  the  rock,  but 
in  the  shelter  of  which  people  are  now  building. 
Then  I  thought:  I  shall  also  in  storm  bend  the 
smaller  wills  after  my  own. — Lethington,  con- 
tract an  alliance  with  it,  do  not  try  your  strength 
against  it!  Everything  you  ask  for,  you  shall 
receive  on  my  day  of  honor ;  for  we  two  belong 
to  the  same  party.  It  is  not  Knox's  or  the 
queen's,  the  Protestants'  or  the  Catholics.'  it  is 
the  true  alliance  of  courage,  the  knighthood  of 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  179 

ambition/ — Farewell.'  When  we  again  meet, 
there  is  only  one  above  us  in  Scotland,  (sub- 
duedly)  and  this  one  is  mine! 

{  Goes.) 


SCENE  THIRD, 


Lethin-gton 

(alone). 

What?  Should  I  risk  anything  on  this  will? 
It  has  beaten  us  three  times,  and  the  first  time 
oe  was  only  a  boy.  He  has  the  nature  of  the 
mountain-birch ;  it  grows  in  higher  places  than 
Sail  other  trees, — it  wants  to  grow  in  such  high 
places  that  it  freezes  to  death.  Therefore,  al- 
ways drive  him  aloft, — but  do  not  follow  him ! 
.Murray's  is  the  mean  temperature;  all  opinions 
can  grow  in  that;  it  is  also  that  which  gives  him 
power  over  the  minds  of  others.  So — she  kissed 
him! — But  with  this  kiss  she  also  consecrated 
bim  to  death  ! — Sbe  took  to  flight  as  from  a  bad 
deed; — but  she  can  not  pass  him  by; — she  will 
fall  over  that  stone! — Yes.  she  can  say  that  we 
all  love  her:  there  is  only  one  who  hates  her; 
this  one  is  her  brother, 


180  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

SCENE  FOURTH. 


Murray. 
That  was  a  short  negotiation. 

Lethington. 
But  sufficient. 

Murray. 

His  ambition — ? 

Lethington. 
has   a   blasting  power   stronger  than   that 
of    powder.      Darnley    will    be    blown    up    this 
night. 

Murray. 

Really !  —  He  goes  the  same  way  as  the  pow- 
der ;  —  he  is  burned  up ! 

Lethington. 

Well,  I  can't  remember  having  seen  your  Ex- 
cellence so  glad. 

Murray 

(seriously). 

Did  you  have  to  promise  him  aid? 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  ^ 

Lethington. 
With  document  and  seal. 

Murray. 

That  is  risky. 

Lethington. 
Perhaps  you  will  be  so  kind  as  to  write  it? 

Murray. 
You  can  do  that  much  better. 

Lethington. 
Perhaps  you  will  be  so  kind  as  to  speak  to  the 
lords ;  vou  can  better  assemble  them. 

Murray. 
You  have  so  little  confidence  in  yourself,  my 

*  s  ft. 

good  Earl.  —  Besides  there  are  certain  things, 
which  for  the  moment  forbid    me  that. 

Lethington. 

J  might  perhaps  be  initiated  into  them. 

Murray. 
At  a  more  convenient  time  and  place   it   will 
give  me  great  pleasure. 

Lethington. 
I  once  knew  a  man  who  was  half  born,  half 


182  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

royal,  half  legitimate;  he  was  also  half  Prot- 
estant and  was  also  standing  half  on  the  side 
of  the  people,  half  on  that  of  the  royal  author- 
ity. He  was  toward  his  sister  a  half  brother, 
he  always  defended  her,  when  he  couldn't  attack 
her.  That  man  also  had  half  friends ;  for  he 
showed  only  half  confidence.  But  that  man  did 
not  succeed. 

Murray. 

I  also  know  this  man,  —  but  know  him  bet- 
ter. He  came  into  the  world  only  half  right  and 
for  that  reason  he  had  to  be  very  careful  also 
not  to  get  half  sympathies.  He  is  not  half 
Protestant,  not  half  the  people's  man;  but  policy 
uses  such  things.  His  aims  are  always  whole, 
but  the  time  and  the  circumstances  are  not.  You 
do  not  know  whom  he  must  serve ;  —  You  do 
not  know  the  queen !  She  does  not  mind  either 
designs  or  persons ;  for  she  has  no  devotion.  She 
accepts  our  work,  our  love,  our  sacrifice  to  death, 
—  the  next  day  she  is  free !  The  ties  that  bind 
her,  she  does  not  mind ;  that  which  might  be  ties, 
she  denies.  Gold,  goods  she  gives  not  from 
gratitude,  for  that  she  does  not  have,  but  in 
purchase  toward  getting  rid  of  dependence,  to 
feel    herself   without   obligation.      On   the   other 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  183 

hand  she  calls  home  her  worst  enemy,  yes,  even 
works  with  him  as  if  nothing  had  happened.  See, 
lor  instance,  Morton!  The  fact  is,  she  neither 
loves  nor  hates  longer  than  a  moment.  When  a 
being  has  such  power,  the  situation  is  unbear- 
able ;  plans  and  persons  change ;  one  never  knows 
what  the  next  day  will  bring.  The  whole  coun- 
try is  a  camp  where  every  man  sleeps  with  his 
sword  at  his  side,  expecting  alarm !  —  We  may 
remove  Rizzio,  Darnley,  Bothwell,  —  but  as 
long 

(Looks  around.) 

Lethington. 
—  as  long  as  she  is  not  removed  —  ? 

Murray 

(shrugs  his  shoulders) . 

Be  removed  — ? 

Lethington. 
lie  removed,  —  once  again. 

Murray. 

There  must  not  be  any  injury  done  her. 

Lethington. 
I  mean,  be  made  impossible  — 


184  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Murray. 
Only  be  married  to  Bothwell  — 

Lethington. 
She  will  never  do  that ! 

Murray. 
Bothwell  will  not  let  go  the  hold  of  his  prey, 
—  and  you  must  help  him. 

Lethington. 
And  if  she  does  it? 

# 

Murray. 
Then  she  can  hardly  reign!  —  They  will  not 
put  up  with  it. 

Lethington. 
— But  you  can  reign  —  in  her  son's  name? — 

Murray. 
-Yes ,  if  I  have  nothing  to  do  with  it. 

Lethington. 

Yes. 

Murray. 

You  see.  that  I  do  not  give  half  confidence. 

Lethington. 
Yes. 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  185 

Murray. 

You  also  see/ that  it  is  necessary  that  I  go 
away  immediately.  —  What  is  entrusted  to  your 
prudence  is  not  necessary  for  me  to  support.  I 
shall  remember  you  on  my  day  of  honor !  Fare- 
well! 


SCENE  FIFTH. 


Lethixgton. 

—  Yes !  —  All  use  Lethington !  First  Both- 
well;  —  then  Bothwell  falls,  —  with  him  the 
queen;  —  then  Murray,  —  Murray  falls  — 
probably.  And  then  ?  —  Who  is  then  going  to 
rule  Scotland  in  the  minor's  name?  (At  the 
same  moment  he  turns  around,  sees  Morton 
dressed  as  a  hunter,  high  up  on  a  rock  in  the 
rear;  he  is  horrified.)  Morton?  He?  .  .  . 
Should  he  take  the  crown  of  my  life,  just  as  it 
sunk  down?  Should  he  proudly  stand  there, 
just  as  I  at  last  arrived?  No,  rather  a  little 
mine  under  the  stone  he  is  standing  on,  the  dear ! 
(Greeting.)  Good  day.  your  excellence  !  Have 
you  come  so  high  up? 

(Curtain    falls.      Change   of   scene.) 


186  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Plain   small    room   at   Darnley 's. 
SCENE    SIXTH. 


(Darnley  and  Taylor  enter,  the  first  leaning 
on  the  other,  walking  very  sloxvly.) 

Darnley. 
The  evening-sun !  —  Here  it  is  better  .  .  .  Let 
us  go  around  a  little.  —  Since  I  became  ill,  she 
calls   on  me  again.  —  Do  you  think,   she   will 
come  this  evening? 

Taylor. 
She  will  certainly  do  that. 

Darnley. 

But  it  is  getting  so  late ;  she  has  to  be  present 
at  Margaret's  wedding;  she  will  not  have  any 
time  for  me. 

Taylor. 
Alas,  my  lord,  if  you  thought  less  about  her! 

Darnley 

(stops). 

Do  not  be  tired,  William !  I  am  a  weak, 
miserable   soul,   I   am   again   sliding  down   from 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  187 

Knox's  height.  —  I  am  afraid  of  Knox.  He 
subdues  me,  he  carries  me  off, — but  he  does  not 
understand  me.  (Goes  a  little,  stops.)  William, 
the  world  despises  the  weak;  for  it  admires 
strength,  even  if  it  is  strength  of  the  bad:  The 
world  admires  the  devil.- 

(Goes.) 

Taylor. 

My   Lord,  do  not  speak  thus !      Besides,  the 
world's  opinion  is  not  Knox's. 

Darn  ley 

(stops). 
Alas,  if  they  understood  the  weak!  He  is 
weak  because  there  is  something  in  his  inner- 
most nature  to  which  he  is  true,  a  longing,  a 
love.  He  knows  it  is  his  destruction,  he  is  mak- 
ing a  thousand  attempts  to  get  loose,  but  his 
feeling  is  too  deep,  he  sinks,  yet  holds  on. 

(Goes.) 

Taylor. 

This    viewing    of    yourself    weakens    you,    it 
weakens  your  will-power. 

Darnley 
(after  a  short  pause). 
The  constancv  of  the  bad  is  not  ridelitv,  but 


188  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

defiance,  —  nevertheless  they  admire  it.  The 
bad  person  (stops)  hardens  himself  into  an  in- 
sane inclination,  he  fortifies  himself  behind  hate 
and  burns  all  the  bridges.     The  world  admires 

this. 

(Goes.) 

Taylor. 

You  frighten  yourself !  You  bar  yourself 
with  fear  on  all  sides. 

Darnlev. 

People  want  fight  with  great  victory  or  great 
defeat!  (Stops.)  They  overlook  the  immense 
refraction  in  the  soul  of  the  weak,  the  thousand 
glimpses  which  come  and  go  until  the  drop  has 
evaporated.  — -  See  the  sun  set !  What  a  peculiar 
sky!  William,  I  am  getting  so  afraid,  look,  look! 
It  is  a  sign,  it  is  the  ire  of  heaven!  I  tremble, 
ch.  William,  let  me  sit  down  ! 

(7/  is  done.) 

Taylor. 
My  Lord,  fight  anyway  a  little  against  — 

Darnley. 

I  can't,  this  trembling!  Oh,  read  a  little,  help 
me  a  little,  hurry,  I  am  so  horror-struck! 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  189 

Taylor, 
(reads  from   an   open    book). 

'Lord,  how  long  wilt  thou  forget  me,  how  long 
wilt  thou  hide  thy  face  from  me?  How  long 
shall  I  deliberate  in  my  soul  and  have  sorrow 
in  my  heart  during  the  day  ?  How  long  shall  my 
enemy  exalt  himself  over  me?  .  .  /' 

Darnley. 

...  I  do  not  comprehend  it,  the  words  threaten 
me,  and  changing,  dark  colors  come  over  my  per- 
ception. 

Taylor 

(will  again  begin,  but  at  the  same  time  music 
from  orchestra  is  heard,  which  continues  until 
the  queen  has  entered). 

It  is  the  queen ! 

Darnley. 

Yes,  it  is  she,  it  is  Mary  who  does  not  forget 
me !  Kindle  the  light,  many  lights !  She,  the 
horrible,  the  beautiful,  who  is  taking  my  life5 
comes,  she  —  the  fierv  that  consumes  while  she 
warms !  Oh,  make  light  here,  draw  the  cur- 
tains !  Have  you  not  incense  ?  Throw  smelling 
water,  place  torches  in  front  of  the  house f 


a90  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

SCENE  SEVENTH, 


A  Page. 

The    queen    asks,    if    yon    have    any    time    to 
bestow  upon  her  grace. 

Darnley, 

All  my  time. 

(He  opens  for  the  queen  with  suite,  that 
'Stops  in  the  halh  Taylor  greets  the  queen  by 
bending  his  knees  and  retires  likewise*  The 
doors  are  closed,) 


SCENE  EIGHTH, 


(The  queen  is  festively  dressed  and  stops  in 
the  middle  of  the  floor  before  him.  The  music 
ceases.) 

Darnley 
(on  his  couch) 
Are  vou  there?  Beautiful,  harmonious  as  the 
music  by  which  you  were  borne  hither,  festively 
dressed  and  in  high  spirits,  beneficial-,  when  you 
are  present,  but  producing  the  anguish  of  love; 
when  yon  go.     Come  anyway  hither  to  me;  — 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  iSl 

no,  stop,  while  I  view  you!  —  No,  come!  (She! 
sits  down  on  a  low  chair  at  his  side,  he  grasps 
her  hand  and  kisses  it  tenderly;  she  looks  at 
him.)  I  dreamt  last  night,  that  I  was  taken  up 
in  much  sunshine.  I.  felt  the  delight,  I  felt  as 
a  child,  when  I  dreamt,  that  I  was  carried 
through  the  air.  It  seemed  to  me,  that  I  awoke 
in  a  charming  place,  but  you  were  not  there. 
Then  I  prayed  that  vou  would  follow,  and  vou 
came,  vou  and  mv  mother  together,  and  in  still 
more  light.  What  was  it,  do  you  think?  There 
were  angels  in  our  dream;  night  is  the  intimate 
of  the  day  but  it  remembers  all  things  better 
than  the  day.  — 

Yesterday  William  read  the  song  of  Solomon, 
and  since  it  has  whistled  like  mild  winds  around 
my  head,  carrying  fragrance  from  Lebanon. 
William  says  it  is  about  the  church  and  its' 
bridegroom.  No,  about  love  it  is,  it  is  the  song 
of  love ;  there  is  on  earth  written  none  else.  The 
sun  of  the  south  was  necessary,  the  vineyards  in 
the  Jewish  people's  fancy,  Solomon's  glory  in  all 
its  oriental  warmth.  I  always  thought  of  you, 
while  he  read.  You,  my  friend,  are  beautiful  as 
Thirza.  pleasant  as  a  big  city,  horrible  as  they 
that  are  under  the  colors.  Your  eves  are  as  a 
dove's  between   vour  locks,  there  is   honev   and 


192  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

milk  under  your  tongue,  your  height  is  as  a 
palm-tree,  your  manners  are  as  a  closed  book. 

Love  they  say  is  strong  as  death.  Many  waters 
can  not  extinguish  love,  its  glow  is  burning  em- 
bers, a  sacred  flame. 

How  good  you  are.  to  sit  with  me  and  talk  so 
much. 

Queen. 

Have  you  not  observed  that  I  still  have  not 
said  a  word? 

Darnley. 
Then  it  must  be  your  eyes  and  my  thoughts 
in  them.  —  Now  you  are  going  to  a  wedding. 

Queen. 
Yes. 

Darnley. 

Then  vou  must  think  of  me  and  mv  love, 
and  for  the  sake,  of  that  forgive  me — what  1 
have    offended    against   you. 

Queen. 
1    have   forgiven  you. 

Darnley. 

All?— Sav    all! 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  193 

Queen. 
Ill, — even    the   murder   of   Rizzioi 

Darnley, 

Oil,   Mary,  that  you  mentioned   this   name. — 
You   have   not   forgiven   me) 

Queen, 
Yes.    all — since    I    really    understand    vou. 

•  * 

Darn  ley. 

No,  von  do  not  understand  me, — if  vou  un- 
derstood  me. — oh,  then  you  would  not  mention 
this    name  \ 

Queen, 

I  mentioned  it,  because  this  evening  it  forces 
itself  in  with  its  dark  memory.  It  was  just  a* 
^his  time  a  year  ago,  and  at  this  hour. 

Darnley. 

Oh.    Mary,    you   are   killing  me! 

Queen, 

What  is  it? 

Darnley. 

The  anguish  returns,  this  shaking  and   trem- 
bling. 


194  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Queen. 

My    dear,    you    are    not    feeling    well. — How 
pale   you    are   getting,   and   how   you    are   per 
spiring ! 

(She  wipes  his  brow  with  he?'  handkerchief, 
rises  and  places  him  in  a  more  easy  position; 
she  again  sits  down,  puts  her  hand  on  his 
forehead.) 

Darnley 
(smiles). 

Queen. 

Are  you  better? 

Darnley. 

Yes.  (Makes  sign,  that  he  wishes  to  hold 
her  other  hand;  she  gives  it  to  him,  a  little 
afterwards  takes  the  first  from  his  brow.)  No, 
let  it  remain  •  It  is  that  which  chases  away  the 
anguish.  (She  lays  it  there  again.)  How  good 
you    are! — You    forgive    all,    isn't    it    true? 

Queen. 

Yes. 

Darnley. 

It  is  so  noble  to  forgive.      I  think  often  when 
am   Ivino    here   and   do   not   know   where    vou 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  195 

fire  or  what  you  are  doing: — I  forgive  her,  she 
will  return,  she  is  good.  I  have  forgiven  you 
nil,  oh,  all !  Mary,  how  beautiful  you  are  now. 
You  are  looking  at  me  so  mildly,  so  moved, 
kiss  me.  (The  queen  shakes  her  head.)  Yes, 
as  a  pledge, — that  we  forgive. 

Queen 

(af/tiiv    shakes    he?-    head). 

Darnlew 

But   you    have    tears? 

Queen 
(bursts    oul    weeping   and   throws    herself    on 
his  breast), 

Darnley. 

Are   thev  treating;  you  badlv?      Make   your- 
self   my    confidant.    I    can't    defend    von.   but    I 

■  * 

*can  share  your  pain  with  you. 

Queen 

(rises    and    xcipes    her    tears). 
I    must    go    now.      They    are    waiting    for    me 
•it  the  wedding. 

Darnley, 
Alas,   already ! 


196  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Queen. 
But  at  the  church  I  shall  pray — for  us  both ! 

Darnley. 
When  will  you  call  again? 

Queen. 
First  thing  tomorrow ; — I  will  after  this  come 
to  you  oftener. 

Darnley 

(almost    whispering). 

Thank  you ! — Thank  you  for  this  hour ! 

Queen 

(stoops  down  and  kisses  him   on   his   brow'). 

Farewell. 

Darnley. 
Thank  you ! 

Queen 
(goes,  stops  at  the  door,   looks  at  him,  says 
mildly  and  gently). 
Till   we   meet   again ! 

Darnley 

(likewise) . 

Till  we  meet  again  ! 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  197 

(When  she  has  gone,  he  clasps  his  hands 
and  is  lying  quietly.} 


SCENE  NINTH. 


(There    is    music    heard   outside,    which    little 
by  little  ceases.} 

(Taylor   comes.) 

Taylor. 

You    arc    praying,    my    Lord? 
(Retires    a   little.) 

Darnley. 

Yes, — if   love   is    a    sin,   then    I    am    a    great 
sinner. 

Taylor. 
She   has   been   good  to   you   to-day. 

Darnley. 

Oh,  so  good; — only  once  she  mentioned  Riz- 
zio's   name. 

(Pause.) 

Taylor. 
Do  vou  want  me  to  retire? 


198  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Darnley. 

No. — Sing   for  me, — music, — but   softly. 

(Taylor  sits  down  and  is  about  to  start  sing- 
ing, when  dull  jolts  are  heard  beneath,  as  if 
something   heavy   were   rolled   in.) 

Darnley. 
Taylor,   what  is  this? 

(They  listen;  it  is  heard  again.) 

Taylor. 
I  shall  see.      (Runs  to  the  door,  it  is  locked). 
The  door  is  barred. 

Darnley 
(rises  in  a  sitting  posture). 
Is   it  barred? 

Taylor 
(rushes  against   the  door,   but  can  not   open 

it). 

Darnley. 
Come  to  me;  this  means  something  bad! 

Taylor 
(comes,    Darnley    half    rises,    they    embrace 
one    another     and    hold    on    to    one    another    a 
while  thus;  noise  is  heard  again). 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  199 

My  Lord,,  let  us  go  to  your  room,  from  there 
we  can  come  to  the  garden ! 

Darnley. 
I  can't ! 

Taylor. 
I — I   will   help  you  down ;   come ! 

Darnley 

(going    with    him). 

What  can  they  want  with  me?     What  have 
I  done  now    again? 

Taylor 
(as   the  door  to  the  room  is  opened). 
It  is   dark  here. 

(Just  as   they   are   outside,   is   heard) 

Darnley. 
Help;   help ! 

Taylor 

(likewise). 

Help  ! 

(The    curtain    falls    quickly,    while    there    is 
heard  a  horrible  cracking    as  of  an  explosion.) 


200  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

[ACT  FIFTH] 


Two   months   later. 


Dunbar   castle.      Old-fashioned   room    with 

ante-room. 


SCENE    FIRST. 


A  host  of  horsemen  come,  keeping  time, 
arrange  themselves  in  two  ranks  placed  against 
one  another,  standing  throughout  the  ante-room 
and  a  little  inside,  they  let  their  spears  meet 
and  under  these  comes  Bothwell  as  a  cavalry- 
flourish  resounds,  fully  armed,  leading  the 
queen,  dressed  for  traveling  and  veiled.  When 
they  have  entered  and  Bothwell  has  led  her  to 
a  seat,  which  she  does  not  accept,  the  captain 
of  the  horsemen  steps  forth  with  a  banner  he 
htmself  has  received.  bearing  Scotland's 
weapon.  It  is  set  up  after  wh'.ch  the  whole 
troop  marches  away.  At  the  same  moment  the 
queen   throws  her  veil  aside  and  hurries  forth. 

Queen. 
What  does  all  this  mean?     We  and  our  suite 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  201 

are  surrounded   on  the   way.      We  are  taken  to 
your  fortified  castle  and  placed  under  guard? 

EOTHWELL 

(on    his    knees). 
forgive  me ;  my  love  took  the  risk. 

Queen, 
Earl  of  Bothwell,,  explain  yourself. 

Bothwell. 
Give  me  that  now  on  which  you  gave  pledge 

Queen. 
You   dare  ? 

Bothwell. 

I  remember  only  about  a  promise — and  about 
more   later. 

Queen. 
I    do   not   understand;    is   it    force? 

Bothwell. 
I   beg  only. 

Queen 

(sarcastically) . 

Among   your   soldiers? 


202  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

BOTHWELL 

(rises). 
This  castle  is  yours,  all  my  men  your  faith- 
ful servants. 

Queen 
(quickly) . 

Who    are   waiting    for   my    orders? 

BOTHWELL. 

Yes,   your    grace. 

Queen 
(■proudly). 

Take   them    away, — and   you   yourself    never 
again   come   before   our   eyes J 

(Turns.) 

Bothwell 
(after  a  short  consideration). 

I   have   for  your  grace's   sake    twice  been  in 
exile;  I  shall  go  the  third. 

(Bows  and  will  go.) 

Queen 
(stops). 

In    ex — ?     Yes,    that    is    right!      You    can't 
serve    us    any    longer. 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  203 

BOTHWELL. 

What  I  have  done  to-day,  I  have  only  done 
for  the  protection  of  your  grace. 

Queen. 
For    my    protection. 

Bothwell. 

For  to-morrow  another  would  have  done  it. 
As  widow  you  do  not  live  safe  in  this  country 
any  longer.  Every  high-born  nobleman  in 
Scotland  wants  now  to   own  the  queen. 

Queen 
(vehemently) . 

Scotland's  men  are  animals,  roaring  through 
the  forests,  wild  from  cruelty  and  sensuality. 

BothWell 
(forward) . 

Therefore  seek  shelter !  I  am  faithful  to 
you. 

Queen. 

You  have  been  that,  Bothwell,  and  you  could 
— no,   also  you — go! 


204  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

BOTHWELL. 

Do  not  be  afraid  of  me,  black  dove  of  the 
forest !      We  two  shall  fly  well  together. 

Queen. 

There  is  something  in  you  which  horrifies 
me. 

BOTHWELL. 

Yes,  from  the  moment  you  fled  from  me 
under  the  darkness  of  the  trees,  but  threw  the 
tire-spark  of  the  kiss  after  you,   it  has  grown. 

Queen. 
Both  well ! 

BOTHWELL. 

Now  I  know  and  will  only  do  one  thing. 

Queen. 
Consider — ! 

Bothwell 
('passionately,    on    his    knees). 
No,  now  vou  must  become  mv  wife ! 

Queen 

(in    strong    surprise). 

I — yours: — Mary  Stuart  of  Scotland,  James 
Hepburn's — ha,  ha,  ha,  ha!     (Bothwell  springs 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  205 

up  like  a   flash   of  lightning.)      Xo.   I   did   not 

(Rather  long  pause.) 


laugh. 


Queen. 

There  is  a  greatness  in  your  spirit;  winds 
sometimes  charms  me, — sometimes  again — yes, 
as  you  now  are  standing  there,  I  am  afraid  of 
you,  afraid  of  you  more  than  of  all  lords  put 
together. 

BOTHWELL. 

Then  it  must  be  because  you  have  reason 
for  it. 

Queen. 
Do  not  try  to  fight  with  me !  Certainly  I  am 
not  strong,  as  when  Rizzio  was  killed,  but  my 
defense  is  out  there.  What  will  mv  family,  my 
people,  what  will  Europe  say,  if  I  am  brought 
in  here  as  a  prisoner,  and  come  out  again  as 
your  wife? 

BOTHWELL. 

What  will  they  say  if  Mary  Stuart  is  ah 
with    me   as   my  prisoner  and   comes   out   again 
— without  being  my  wife? 


206  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Queen. 
All  Saints! — They  will  say — they  will  think 


(Pause.) 

BoTHWELL. 

There  is  no  ehoice. 

Queen. 
Righteous  God!     That  was  the  reason    then! 

BOTHWELL. 

Yes. 

Queen 
(slowly). 
And  now  there  is  no  choice  between  you  and 
shame  ?  Look  how  he  is  standing  there  in  the 
cold,  waiting!  (Rises.)  Oh,  you  fool!  (Straight 
toward  him.)  From  this  cavity  wherein  I  am 
trailed,  I  shall  go  out  neither  conquered  nor 
disgraced;  I  have  a  courage  which  you  have 
not  considered.  I  have  courage  to  die ! — Be 
careful ! 

Bothwell. 
What  will  then  become  of  your  son  ! 

Queen. 
My  son?- — (takes  a  couple  of  steps).  Oh,  my 
son  ! 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  W 

BOTHWELL. 

Then  he  is  standing  without  defense.^ 

Queen. 
Oh,  Jesus — Mary,  I  did  not  think  of  him! 

BOTHWELL, 

It  is   he    for   whom   you   have   to  choose! 

Queen 

(quickly) . 
Should    the    only    thing    in    the    world    which 
I  love  be  my  destruction? 

BOTHWELL. 

Destruction  ? 

Queen 
(more  vehemently). 
His  father  caused  me  only  anguish  and  tears, 
and  should  the  child  do  likewise?      Xo.   No! 

Bothwell. 
They    have     nevertheless     already    aimed    at 
him. 

Queen 

(an.rious). 

Is  that   possible? 

Bothwell, 
For   he   who   has   your    son    in    his    possession 


208  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

rules  you.      You  now  prove  it  yourself.      There- 
fere    seek  defense  for  your  son! 

Queen 
(still    more    vehemently) . 

Oh,  then  he  is  woven  into  my  very  life  .as 
love  in  sin;  all  mv  faults  would  not  cause  me 
to  fall,  but  on  the  contrary  this  innocent — 
(Totters.)  This  is  cruel,  cruel. — Lord,  pro- 
tect ray  senses,  these  constant  shocks,  oh,  they 
will   at   last  kill   me J 

BoTHWELL 

(helps    her). 
Mary. — I  am  strong1    Lean  on  me! 

Queen. 

Oh,  I  had  as  a  child  so  many  hopes,  as  a 
young  woman  so  much  success,  and  now — (sees 
Bothwell,  grows  strong  immediately.)  No,  this 
is  a  living  death;  rather  I  shall  take  my  child 
in  my  arms  and  go  away   from  here  poor! 

Bothwell. 
Then  you  will  deprive  him  of  his  throne. 

Queen. 
Yes,  it  is  not  to  desire  either! 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  209 

BOTHWELL. 

But  to  that  nobody  on  earth  has  right,  and 
least  of  all  his  mother. 

Queen. 

Well,  then  I  shall  fight  for  him  against  you 
^ind  the  whole  world  ! 

BOTHWELL. 

Not  against  me.  For  I  shall  leave  Scotland. 
But    whom    have   you   then? 

Queen. 

None,  none!  Oh,  why  did  I  come  to  this 
country  where  I  should  be  deserted  by  all ! 
(She  sits   dozen   and   weeps.) 

{Rather  long  pause.) 

BOTHWELL 

(stands  a  while  viewing  her,  then  approaches). 

Listen  to  me-  Look  here!  (Puts  forth  a 
document).  Seventy  signatures.  All  say  that 
they  do  not  feel  the  queen,  the  heir  apparent, 
or  the  country  safe,  before  the  queen  has 
selected  a  consort  from  among  them  for  her- 
self.     And  they  have   chosen  me   for  it. 

(Pause,  during  which  the  queen  mechanically 
looks  at   the  document.) 


210  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Queen 

(in  struggle}. 
And  to  these  I  should  trust  myself?   (Rises, 
without   leaving   her  place.) 

BOTHWELL. 

Not  to  them,  but  to  me.      I  have  them  in  my 
power. 

Queen 
(after  a  pause). 

And   I   should  believe  you? 

BOTHWELL 

(a  step  back). 
Well, — then,  believe  nobody  ! 

Queen 

(sits  down). 

My  God,  my  God !— Where   shall   I  turn? 

BOTHWELL. 

Do  not  be  ungrateful.   Have  I  used  my  hands 
to  another  purpose  than  to  fight  for  you? 

Queen. 
No,  you  have  been  the  only  one;   (complainr 
ingly.) — but   why   then   you   also? 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  211 

BOTHWELL 

(vehemently). 

Oh,  well,  know  it  then:  My  history  is  like 
all  the  others.'  Either  I  must  own  vou  or  leave 
Vou.  (Overwhelmed.)  I  can't  say  more  than, 
that  I  shall  go  and  God  be  my  witness;  I  am 
going ! 

Queen. 

No,  do  not  leave  me,  Bothwell!  Why.  I 
have  none  other.      Oh.  God!    (Weeps.) 

Bothwell 

(forward). 

My  queen!  Mary-  (Kneeling.)  Oh.  they  shall 
Hot  reach  you  even  with  a  word  ! 

Queen. 
What  do  you  ask  of  me.  Bothwell  r 

Bothwell 

(takes    forth    a    document). 

This  document  is  ready,  when  it  receives  your 
•signature!  Oh,  rely  upon  me.  you  are  my  wife 
before  God  and  man. 

Queen. 
Do  you  promise  to  be  good  to  me.  Bothwell  ? 


212  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

I  have  suffered  so  much  and  now  have  no  joy 
left. 

BOTHWELL. 

You   have   your   son. 

Queen 

(warmly) . 

Yes, — do  you  promise  to  defend  his  young 
life  and  his  royal  right?      I  can't. 

BOTHWELL. 

I    promise   that. 

Queen. 
Do  you  promise  me — never   to   deny   me   his 
company?      (Weeps.) 

BOTHWELL. 

I  promise  that. 

Queen 
(takes    the    pen). 

Oh,  so  many  bright  dreams,  so  many — No,  1 
can't !  (Leans  forward  over  her  arms  and 
sobs.) 

BOTHWELL 

(rises). 
You  have  no  confidence  in  me. 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  213 

Queen 
(looks   up   slowly). 

It  is  not  from  love   you  are  doing  this. 

BOTHWELL. 

Not  from  that  alone.  I  love  you  because  you 
have  the  power,  but  I  love  the  power  because 
it  is  yours.  If  it  were  otherwise,  I  should  not 
serve  your  turn.     One  Darnley  must  be  enough. 

Queen. 

Peace  with  him !  But  if  I  would  get  ten 
realms,  I  should  not  marry  him  the  second 
time.  Oh,  will  you  do  what  he  couldn't,  will 
you  protect  us? 

BOTHWELL. 

After  this  I  protect  myself,  when  I  protect 
you! 

Queen. 

That  is  true,  you  can't  do  anything  else. 
(Takes  the  pen.)  What  will  my  family,  what 
will  the  proud  royal  nobility  of  the  Guises' 
say?      No,   no!      (Lays   the   pen.) 

BOTHWELL. 

Think  of  vour  son ! 


214  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Queen. 

Yes !  My  son,  my  charming  boy !  God !  Now 
he  is  sleeping  in  his  little  white  bed  and  does 
not  know  how  his  mother  is  struggling  for  his 
sake. 

Bothwell. 

For  his  sake  you  must  come  to  a  decision. 

Queen. 

Yes,  he  is  worth  more  than  all  my  pride.  I 
will  do  it!  God  be  my  witness;  yes,  I  will  do 
it!  (Takes  the  pen,  says  mildly:)  Now,  Mary 
is  signing  her  sentence  of  death.  (Writes; 
throws  herself  backward  and  falls  into  violent 
weeping.) 

Bothwell 
(takes  the  document,  bends  his  knees  before 
the    queen,    kisses    her    hand     and    looks    up    at 
her). 

Do  not  weep  more,  Mary. 

QUEEN: 

Oh,  yes,  yes,  yes,  yes! 

Bothwell. 
The  tears  you  weep  over  me,  do  no  good. 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  215 

Queen. 
I    weep   over   myself.      I    am   not   queen   any 
longer, — oh,   now   it   is   all   over,   now    it   is   all 
over ! 

Bothwell. 
These  tears  freeze  like  ice  in  my  heart. 

Queen. 
Oh,   that   I   could   weep   all   my   being   away. 
That  I  could  flow  tear  after  tear  into  eternity, 
oh,  oh,  oh,  oh !      Now  it  is   all  over,  now  it   is 
all  over ! 

Bothwell. 
No,  now  it  shall   begin !     Ask  me   for  what 
you    wish,    and    you    will    see   that    it    shall    be 
fulfilled. 

Queen. 
This   is   my   first   request    of   you,   that   I   be 
allowed    to    weep ! 

Bothwell 
(rises'). 

I    will    not    deny    you    that.      (More    lowly.) 
But  you  will  repent   of  it. 

Queen 

(sees   Scotland's    banner   above   her   head). 


216  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Oh,  Scotland's  banner,  how  poorly  you  have 
protected  me.  My  tears  shall  never  be  dried 
on  you.  Leaping  lion,  why  do  you  throw  me 
off?  Where  are  you  going,  horrible,  that  you 
can't  take  your  easy  burden  with  you? 

BOTHWELL. 

It  shall  do  that,  fear  not!  For  the  leaping 
lion  in  it,  that  I  shall  become  to  you. 

Queen. 
Oh,  it  has  put  its  claws  into  my  heart. 


SCENE  SECOND. 


(A    horseman  comes  with  a   letter,  which  he 
gives  to  Bothwell  and  retires  immediately). 

BOTHWELL 

{reads,  gets  pale,  reads  again,  but  now  more 
quietly). 

Your  tears  are  not  lost.      Here  comes  a  cause. 

Queen 

(languidly). 

There    can't    come    anything    that    is    worse 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  217 

than   that   which    I    now   suffer.      Oh     God,   oh 
God! 

BOTHWELL. 

Then  listen  to  this,  anyway : 

"To    the    Earl    of    Bothwell,    Duke    of    the 

Orkneys ! 
To  protect  the  queen  and  the  realm  we  here- 
by break  off  all  alliance  with  you. 

On  the  march  against  Dunbar  castle — in 
the    name    of   the    allied    lords. 

Maitland,   Earl   of   Lethington." 

(Pause). 

Queen 
(pale,  rises  slowly). 

BOTHWELL. 

Traitors !  Yes,  by  all  the  devils,  they  are 
traitors. 

Queen. 
You  said  that  the  nobility  .... 

Bothwell. 

They  have  broken  their  oath,  their  most 
sacred  obligations ! — Oh,  how  they  shall  have 
to  repent  of  it ! 


218  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Queen. 
Is  this  the  protection,  which — 

BOTHWELL. 

There  the  ravens  begin  to  come! 


SCENE   THIRD. 


(Another  horseman  enters). 

BOTHWELL. 

Cry  out! 

The    Horseman. 
All  fields   are  covered  by  hosts   of  horsemen 
in  a  gallop  who  ride  toward  the  castle. 

BOTHWELL. 

Up   with  the  bridges,  the  horses  ready! 

Queen 
(anxious) . 

Shall  we  flee? 

Bothwell. 
Yes.  and  we   shall  return  with  such   a   force 
that  the  devil  himself  shall  not  be  able  to  pro- 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  219 

tect  them.  (The  queen  sinks  dozen.)  You 
meant,  cunning  Lethington,  that  I  should  clear 
the  way,  but  you  ascend  the  fortress.  You 
meant,  Scotland's  noblemen,  that  you  vour- 
selves  would  come  first,  but  I  certainly  rode 
too    fast    for   you. 

Now }  will  against  will,  with  blow  against 
blow!  Now  fight  in  the  old  ravines!  Now  rise, 
joyous  highlander,  leap  down  into  the  peace- 
ful valleys  with  song,  with  fire  and  the  exulta- 
tion of  death; — he  that  conquers,  shall  em- 
brace the  queen  and  the  country ! 

Queen 
(sinks  down). 

Horrible,  horrible  • 

Bothwell 
(vehemently,  quickly). 
No,  the  same  day  I  reached  the  highest 
pinnacle,  I  do  not  give  up !  I  shall  gather 
troops,  where  I  gathered  them  before.  I  shall 
beat  them,  where  I  beat  them  before.  The 
Scottish  lion  is  now  placing  itself  ready  for 
leap.  The  forest  will  soon  give  resonance  of 
cries.  Come,  Mary  of  Scotland,  on  horseback 
and  away;  spears  are  growing  behind  the  moun- 
tains ! 


220  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Queen. 

Yes,  in  blood  and  tears. — Let  it  now  be 
enough ! 

BOTHWELL 

(darts    back    horrified). 

You  will  not  away?  You  will  not  fight? 
You  will  surrender  the  country,  your  son  and 
yourself  to  traitors? 


SCENE  FOURTH. 


(A  Nobleman  enters). 

The  Nobleman. 

The  lords  have  dispatched  a  bearer  of  a  flag 
of  truce  with  challenge  to  the  Earl  of  Bothwell. 

BOTHWELL. 

Ha,  ha!  For  a  duel  with  me?  Yes,  man 
after  man,  the  whole  row!  (The  nobleman 
goes.)  This  pleases  my  very  soul!  In  the 
manner  of  the  ancients,  on  horseback,  in  full 
armour,  against  treason  and  lies !  To  stab 
every  one  who  dares  appear  as  complainant, 
to  get  God's  sentence  at  the  point  of  the  lance 
and  throw  it  scorningly  into  a  sand-heap. — 
That   you   shall   see   from   the   hill ! 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  221 

Queen 
(with    detestation). 

I  will  not  look  at  it : 

BOTHWELL. 

Do  not  tempt  my  patience  beyond  its  reach  ! 
— Remember,  I  am  now  the  only  man  in  Scot- 
land who  feels  inclined  to  fight  for  your  fall- 
ing throne • 

Queen 

(rises). 

Strength  and  beauty  have  sometimes  exer- 
cised power  over  me, — rudeness  never ! 

(Pause.) 

Bothwell. 

Forgive  me  if  my  language  becomes  that 
of  an  impatient  warrior ;  but  you  do  not  under- 
stand how  to  act.  Come  with  me !  You  will 
take  away  courage  from  the  traitors ;  for  where 
you  appear,  you  will  recall  broken  oaths  and 
unfulfilled  duties  toward  our  fatherland.  There- 
fore   sit   on  the   hill  while   I    am   fighting. 

Queen. 

No! 


222  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

BOTHWELL. 

Dare  you  not  believe  in  your  case, — or  will 
you  not  believe  in  me?  Remember,  every  one 
is  judged  according  to  his  behavior.  If  he 
shows  the  quiet  of  an  open  face,  the  people 
say   he  is   right !      Come  with  me ! 


SCENE    FIFTH. 


{A    horseman    enters). 

The    Horseman 
{quickly) . 

My  lord;  they  do  not  want  to  fight  •  It  was 
a    stratagem,    and    we    are    being    surrounded ! 

Bothwell. 

Traitors  to  the  last-  {To  the  horseman.)  Sit 
tip,  now  we  come.  {The  horseman  goes.)  Now 
you  must  follow  me  farther  out  and  to  greater 
fights !  By  all  that  is  dear  to  you  on  earth, 
if  you  are  taken  prisoner  here,  then  you  shall 
not   reign  an  hour  longer  in   Scotland  ! 

Queen. 
I  can  net  reiffn  over  this  country  either. 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  223 

BOTHWELL. 

But   your   son — your   son  ! 

Queen. 

Can  not  either.  And  I  have  seen  during  this 
hour,  that  he  is  as  safe  with  the  lords  as  with 

you. 

BOTHWELL. 

Consequently  you  want  to  desert  me — after 
all  I  have  risked  for  you  during  my  life. 

Queen. 
You  have   received   vour  pay  to-day. 

BOTHWELL. 

Well,  if  nothing  of  this  kind  binds,  then 
anyway  the  instinct  of  self-preservation  binds  ! 
In  this  hand  lies  your  crown,  place  your  faith 
in  that !  In  the  high  mountains  we  shall  find 
Hamilton,  Sevton  and  many  true  Catholics: 
from  there  we  beat  the  traitors,  as  truly  as 
Bothwell  has  still  not  lost  a  battle. — Everv- 
thing  in  the  world  you  have  done  but  half. — 
do  now  this  in   the  whole. 

Queen. 
Yes,  much  good  I  have  done  but  half, — there- 
fore  I   shall  now   also  stop   with  half  a   sin  ! 


224  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

Bothwell. 

There  exists  only  one  sin,  but  that  is  cer- 
tainly also  unpardonable ;  that  is  to  lose !  He 
that  wins  is  right,  for  he  writes  the  laws  him- 
self. But  I  can't  get  right  without  you; 
for  I  can't  gather  an  army  without  you. 
Shine  on  your  white  horse  in  front  of  the  troops 
only  one  sun-bright  hour ; — the  rest  I  shall  do  ■ 

Queen. 
You  should  not  before  have  deprived  me   of 
my  confidence,  Bothwell ! 

Bothwell. 

Oh,  damned,  stirring  stubbornness,  thirst  of 
revenge,  selfish  weariness, — is  all  it  is  ; — you 
play  dice  badly  with  life. — But  how  beautiful 
you  are,  standing  there  in  3rour  defiance,  un- 
fathomable !< — I  shall  take  you  by  force, — you 
shall  be   saved — and   save  me ! 

Queen. 
Try! 

Bothwell. 

She  still  has  a  strength  I  can  not  manage. — 
They  are  already  in  the  yard !  Here  is  no 
....   oh,   Mary,  for  the  last  time  the  star   of 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  225 

your  life  twinkles  up  again  in  me.  there  whistles 
still  a  fair  wind  by^— reach  me  your  hand  for 
a  stormy  trip  after  the  fortune ! 

Queen 
(is   silent,   but   shakes  her  head). 

Bothwell. 

The  noise   down   there   is   approaching !    .    .    . 
I    shall   try   alone  I      Not   every   man   who   runs 

*  a. 

into  the  sea  from  a  siukin.o  ship  drowns.  But 
for  you  there  shall  come  a  day  when  you  will 
repent  that  you  let  go  your  hold  of  the  strong 
swimmer, — when  you  from  your  prison-window 
shall  follow  the  birds  oyer  the  mountain  and 
think  of  me, — shall  tremble,  listening  to  every 
step  that  gives  echo  in  the  long  halls,  if  it 
should  be  a  message  from  Bothwell.  a  message 
from  life,  a  message  of  revenge! — and  if  it 
stays  away, — you  must  sit  until  you  grow  old 
and  sallow, — still  wait. — then  curse  Bothwell. 
then  say.  he  became  the  revenge. — the  revenge 
of   all   your   faithlessness! 

{There  is  shouted  from  the  balcony-windows: 
"Bothwell!") 

Yes,  now   I   am   coming! — Shall    I    never    see 
you    mere,   you   high    siren   in    the   power's    star- 


226  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

besprinkled  surroundings !  You  have  lured  me 
by  song  down  into  the  abysses !  How  many 
have  still  to  be  whirled  down  into  the  dance 
of  death  around  you?  You  always  in  bridal 
attire;  I  ought  to  kill  you  before  I  go;  for  no 
one  should  possess  you,  when  I  could  not! 

(From  below  several  are  shouting:  "Both- 
well!   BothwelU") 

I  am  coining,  I  am  coming! — Never  more 
see  you — oh!  {He  rushes  toward  her,  embraces 
her  and  whispers:)  If  we  now  both  died? — 
Then  we  would  not  be  separated! — No. —  (Lets 
go  his  hold  of  her.)  Life,  liberty,  and  hope 
with  that!      (Goes.) 


SCENE    SIXTH. 


Queen 
(alone). 

The  bird  from  the  eagle's  nest! 

With  him  was  destruction.  From  him  also. 
Now  I  suppose  I  must  be  through  with  Scot- 
land, as  I  have  not  a  single  friend  any  longer. 
— And  no  more  deeds  to  do  .  .  .  (BothwelVs 
voice  from  below:  "Come  with  me,  Mary,  come 
with     me!")      This    was    the    song    under    the 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  227 

window. — I  hear  them  come, — they  that  want 
my  crown.  But  I  shall  not  give  it  away.  Not 
for  all  the  torments  in  the  world. — They  may 
take  it,  then  they  have  one  sin  more. — Then 
thus  it  should  end.  Oh,  my  liberty  and  my 
young  kingdom !  It  is  too  soon  for  us  to  part, 
I  have  still  life-blood  left  for  you  to  grow  in, 
— well,  then  I  shall  use  it  to  resist.  They  can 
take  everything  from  me,  but  they  shall  not 
conquer  me.  They  shall  be  forced  to  bear 
witness : 

If  she  could  not  rule  the  fortune, 

Oh,  then    she  could  bear  the  misfortune. 

(Starts  to  go,  but  she  has  hardly  gone  a 
couple  of  steps  before  the  doors  are  opened,  a 
guard  marches  in,  halts  and  forms  in  two  ranks. 
Through  these  come  Morton,  Lindsay  and  two 
noblemen.) 


SCENE  SEVENTH. 


Lindsay. 

Your   grace,   in   the   name    of   the    assembled 
lords     we    come — 

Queen. 
Welcome,  you  gentlemen  of  the  nobility  !      I 


228  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

knew  that  you  would  hurry  to  the  protection 
of  your  queen.  The  regardful  Lindsay,  the 
true  Morton, — where  are  my  other  protectors, 
my  brother  Murray  and  the  brave  Lethington? 

Lindsay. 
They  are  with  us,  your  grace. 

Queen. 

How    safe    must    Scotland's    queen    feel    her- 
self among  such  men ! 

Morton. 
We   have   order  to — 

Queen. 

— put  yourselves  in  our  service !  To  that  God 
Himself  has  installed  you;  on  your  noble  sword 
is  written:  "For  God,  king  and   fatherland." 

Lindsay. 

If  it  is  convenient  for  your  grace,  we  will 
accompany  you  to — 

Queen. 

— Our  true  men  we  follow !  What  we  now 
have  left  to  entrust  you  with,  our  royal  right, 
no  man  can  take;   for  that  we  have   from  God 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  229 

from  our  birth.      Therefore^  forward  !      We  are 
ready.      Honors    for    the    queen ! 

(The  officers  lower  their  weapons,  the  horse- 
men lay  their  halberds  crosswise,  the  queen  goes 
thereunder,  later  Morton,  Lindsay  and  the  two 
noblemen,  after  which  the  guard  marches  off; 
the  whole  procession  moves  slowly.  Empty 
stage  for  a  while.) 


SCENE  EIGTHTH. 


(Murray  comes,  follozced   by  Lethington,  Mor- 
ton and  many  noblemen.     Later  Lindsay .) 

Murray. 

Gentlemen:  Marv  Stuart  has  surrendered  to 
Scotland's  lords.  I  know  she  will  be  received 
and  treated  with  all  the  respect  which  is  due 
a  royal  personage  and  a  lady. 

All. 
Yes. 

Murray. 

But  I  know  also,  that  Mary  Stuart  of  Scot- 
land  has  ceased  reigning  from  this  day. 


230  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

All 
(and    much    stronger). 

Yes,  yes,  yes,  yes. 

Murray. 
Her   son,  James   VI,  the   King   of   Scotland 
forever ! 

All. 
James  VI   forever ! 

Murray. 

In  his  name  and  in  the  name  of  the  govern- 
ment, which  Scotland's  parliament  will  appoint, 
I  hereby  take  Scotland's  royal  banner — 

(He  goes  forward  toward  it,  as  they  make 
room  for  him,  followed  by  Lethington  and  Mor- 
ton who  are  looking  at  one  another.  He  has 
just  laid  his  hand  on  it,  when  several  voices 
from    the    rear   shout:     Stop,   stop!) 

Lindsay 
(comes,    struttingly). 

Stop! 


SCENE   NINTH. 


Several. 
John  Knox  and  the  people  with  him. 


MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS  231 

Lindsay. 
Silence,   Knox   is   speaking ! 

Knox. 
The    people,    hearing    that    the    action    con- 
cerned  Scotland,  wished  to  he  a  part;,-  thereto 

The   People 
(not    without    threat). 

Knox    forever ! 

Knox. 

What  Scotland's  nobility  has  done  to-day,  is 
certainly  for  the  best;  for  everything  is  for  the 
best.  But  then  they  shall  not  to-day  lay  the 
unclean  hands  of  the  fight  upon  this  banner; 
for  it  is  not  Murray's,  nor  Morton's,  nor  Leth- 
ington's,  it  is  Scotland's,  it  is  the  national 
symbol  under  which  Scotland  shall  conquer  all 
her  wretchedness ;  for  the  lion  in  it  is  the 
Lord's  power! — But  I  shall  on  behalf  of  His 
church  take  this  banner  and  carry  it  before  the 
people. 

(He  takes  it  amid  c/reat  exultation.  Orchestra 
plays  a  march,  and  as  Knox  leaves,  carrying 
the  banner,  some  of  the  people  shout:  "Knox 
forever!"  others  "Scotland  forever!"  The  peo- 
ple  and    the    noblemen   solemnly    follow    Knox. 


232  MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS 

They  are  received  outside  amid  great  and  gen- 
eral exultation;  Murray,  Lethington  and  Morton 
remain.) 

(The  curtain  falls.) 


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